Hi-

I discovered my 2005 Scion TC with 62,000 miles has a radiator leak when I brought the car in for an oil change last week. The pink coolant fluid was low and we discovered pink residue down the passenger side of the radiator grill towards the inside of the engine bay.

Passenger side full view:


The pink residue is only on the seal from where the bottom of the passenger side fan attaches to the top.

Zoomed in view:


Close view with flashlight:


The residue is not on the fans or on either the low big radiator tube on the passenger side or on the upper driver side tube. However, the mechanics suggested replacing the radiator and the 2 tubes. I'd like to fix the problem myself.

My questions for the forum are:
1. Do I need to replace just the frame such as this item (metal frame and plastic sides to attach)? Or do I need something else?

2. The car is seven years old - do I need to replace the 2 large radiator tubes at the same time to make sure they're not the issue? Pictures are below as thumbnail links.


Full engine view:


Upper Driver Tube:


Lower Passenger Tube:


Thanks in advance for advice.

 

yes looks like the side seam welds have split and your radiator is leaking.

question 1- yes, that item is called the radiator, you will need to get a new radiator cap as well. I would just buy an assembled radiator, not a repair kit, it's too much work to repair it and no guarantee it won't leak when you're done if you try the fix. Just buy the entire radiator and replace it.

question 2 - those tubes are called radiator upper and lower hoses. yes replace them, 7 years is long enough for them, time for replacement. Don't forget new clamps as well.

our engine takes Toyota's SLLC (super long life coolant, pink coolant), and it's at the dealer, it's a very good coolant and I'd suggest not guessing with aftermarket coolants, just spend the money $15-18 a gallon and be done with it. It takes 1.5 gallons or so to fill this up.

EDIT: also.. dont forget to go to the scion tech section here at scionlife to print up the service manual on the procedure of filling the coolant. Need to bleed the system as you're filling it (easy).

 

Thanks for the detailed response. Do I need to replace the thermostat as well?

 

hmm not usually, but if you're going to all that trouble, might as well put a new one in. I'd get one from the dealer, who knows if the aftermarket has it opening at the correct temperature.

oh and you're welcome for the help

 

if you haven't repaired, my suggestion clean it off with water , clean off every thing. ive never seen a scion tc radiator core leak unless it was damaged from impact, car accident.. keep in mind that if you look up on top what do you see a radiator cap>>>>> ive seen people remove cap to see if it full and spill coolant , once , twice three time and more after a while it will collect some where and it seems to be collecting near that area. also what you need to look at more closer is your water pump, if you look at your alternator pulley( from the picture youll see pink or white residue) and that my friend usually indicates that your water pump is leaking or starting to leak and its causing it to splash over, check under your hood check if there is and indication or also near the motor mount bracket.. .. but it would first clean it off the radiator and recheck it will save you money.. let me know how it goes,,

 

also notice how all that residue is starting from the top and working its way down till it collect.. i might be wrong , just what i see from the pictures., alternator coolant residue from pic 1 dots on the pulley..

 

There's always aftermarket options, but it wouldn't last as long as a OEM radiator.

Did you ask them to pressure test the cooling system to pinpoint the leak?
Could be leak from waterpump also?

Easy way of checking the waterpump. Look at the underside of your hood. If you see coolant stains, then your waterpump is leaking.