Water used as coolant -suggestions?

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Ryano085
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Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Ryano085 »

Hi everyone,

So i have been tackling a number of problems with my 3S-GE JAP import on its road to road worthiness. Last week was the speedo/PAS, this week during a small drive enjoying my PAS i noticed a leak from one the coolant hard pipes (the bottom of the two small pipes that head into the firewall (Heater matrix?)).

Upon closer inspection i noticed it seems to be pure water in the cooling system, no coolant or anti corrosion agent at all. this car has been parked up for over a decade. :no: :crybaby:

i have noticed a orange "mush" in the hard pipe that's leaking. Additionally, this hard pipe is pitted and chipping away at the opening. all pipes appear to make a cracking/creaking sound but actually feel to be in ok condition (at least externally)

So what should i look out for?
What do you guys recommend i do?
Can a this be flushed cleaned?
Is the engine kaput?

i will certainly be removing the rad, so ill check for blockages.
Also, could anyone help with a PN?

Thanks all
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Snorkie »

There are many rad flush products available, they can be used to clean the whole cooling system. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

It will probably take more than one flush, keep doing it till the water draining out is clear.

You can try different makes of rad flush but don't mix different types of antifreeze.

When your happy the cooling system is clean, use red/pink antifreeze.

These cars are getting on a bit, its worth draining and changing your coolant every now and then.
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by jimi »

As above :th: plus make sure you bleed the system properly once you refill with coolant. There's a good guide here https://mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk2/mk2 ... ement.html
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Ryano085 »

Called a local Toyota dealer for PN 87208-17080, they said it has discontinued. Would a breaker be the only way?

Gonna get a flush from Halfords after i sort pipe out
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by jimi »

If Mr T says they are N/A then probably that's your only choice, you may find it with a Google search but won't be cheap and probably out of stock. You can come try giving TCB Parts a ring ( better to phone than email and they don't list everything on their website) they often have refurbished parts at realistic prices. Contact details on the map here https://mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/special ... liers.html
Is your existing pipe not repairable ?
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Ryano085 »

So I used a piece of pipe to replace the pitted hard pipe just as a quick fix. I have ran speed flush through the system I may do a second, in the meantime i have noticed a second leak😦. From the pic below it appears to be leaking from a telltale hole?
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Snorkie »

Time for a new water pump, trying to look on the bright side its probably a good thing as its best to replace the timing belt when a car has been standind for a while.

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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Ryano085 »

jimi wrote: 14/05/25 9:58 If Mr T says they are N/A then probably that's your only choice, you may find it with a Google search but won't be cheap and probably out of stock. You can come try giving TCB Parts a ring ( better to phone than email and they don't list everything on their website) they often have refurbished parts at realistic prices. Contact details on the map here https://mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/special ... liers.html
Is your existing pipe not repairable ?
I would say it’s not repairable as it’s pitted and edges corroded away i might try TCB if they’ll post to Ireland

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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Ryano085 »

Snorkie wrote: 18/05/25 20:59 Time for a new water pump, trying to look on the bright side its probably a good thing as its best to replace the timing belt when a car has been standind for a while.
Yes I have been strongly considering this, but really wanted to get the body in decent condition before doing the engine. I have also been considering repiping all coolant hoses as they appear to be in very poor condition. Is the Tbelt/wpump an engine out jobby??

Thanks
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by jimi »

Ryano085 wrote: 19/05/25 12:44 I might try TCB if they’ll post to Ireland
If they have one and don't post to Ireland and your stuck for elsewhere, I could relay it to you ;)
Ryano085 wrote: 19/05/25 12:46 I have also been considering repiping all coolant hoses as they appear to be in very poor condition.
From the looks of them I think that would be a wise move :th:
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Re: Water used as coolant -suggestions?

Post by Snorkie »

Yes I have been strongly considering this, but really wanted to get the body in decent condition before doing the engine. I have also been considering repiping all coolant hoses as they appear to be in very poor condition. Is the Tbelt/wpump an engine out jobby??

Thanks

The timing belt and pump can be done in place.

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