Long Life Antifreeze - Is It Any Good?

[jazzyman]

My 07 Auris 2.0 D-4D has developed a coolant leak from the water pump, car's only done 35k mileage so was very surprised. Checking other posts concerning water pump coolant leaks, this seems to be very common on Toyotas. Some Toyota owners are saying the problem is to do with the pink long life antifreeze, something to do with the seals.

Is this information correct or is it just a myth? and if there is a link would it be wise to use the green antifreeze instead?

[Mistermena]

I wouldn't go with anything other than the correct spec coolant! How bad is the leak? I understand that these pumps are designed to have a small weep...

[jazzyman]

I have only had the Auris for around 6 weeks. Already had to top the coolant up twice which was is around half a litre, I never had to top up coolant levels before on any of my previous vehicles. The Auris has gone back to the garage for the water pump to be changed under warranty, leak confirmed by the garage.

I am just alarmed at the number of water pump fails with low mileage Toyotas. What is the cause of all of these failures?

[Mistermena]

Was this taken back to the main Toyota dealer? Are you sure this isn't the common Head Gasket failure thats covered under Toyotas 112k or 7 year extended warranty? Any white coolant residue on the engine cover? Heater working okay?...

[jazzyman]

The car was from a local car dealer and not a Toyota garage, although the car does come with a full Toyota service history. I don't think (hope) that it is a head gasket problem because there are no other signs. The car is out of warranty being over 7 years old.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Was this taken back to the main Toyota dealer? Are you sure this isn't the common Head Gasket failure thats covered under Toyotas 112k or 7 year extended warranty? Any white coolant residue on the engine cover? Heater working okay?...

The goodwill warranty was for the 1AD and 2AD engines produced between specific periods.

[jazzyman]

Was this taken back to the main Toyota dealer? Are you sure this isn't the common Head Gasket failure thats covered under Toyotas 112k or 7 year extended warranty? Any white coolant residue on the engine cover? Heater working okay?...

The goodwill warranty was for the 1AD and 2AD engines produced between specific periods.

The Auris is a 1AD engine and was produced in the specified periods, but because the car is over 7 years old is there any chance that the warranty would still apply?

[Mistermena]

Toyota will not warrant it out of the mileage/time scale! As this was a goodwill warranty! But you could always ask! I would have a HG test done! By a different garage! Or buy a kit off eBay! Thats what i did.If it has gone then it's gonna be a point of taking back to where you bought it and quote the sales of goods act! And getting your money back or a new engine fitted!... lets just hope that it is just the water pump!... Do you go anywhere Barry?

[jazzyman]

Mistermena ..Do those head gasket tests work with a diesel engine, if so what type of kit did you purchase off eBay?

[Mistermena]

Mistermena ..Do those head gasket tests work with a diesel engine, if so what type of kit did you purchase off ebay?

Yes they do work on both Petrol and Diesel engines! Mine is made by Snap-on and is a "Sniffer" test! It samples the gases! Very accurate. Might not be any on there anymore! If you are close to me then I will do one for you for free... What you have to remember here mate is! That this could just be what the garage said and a water pump issue! I just want you to be aware of the issues surrounding the 1AD and 2AD Polish built power unit...

[jazzyman]

Thank you mistermena.

The car is still in the dealer's having the water pump changed, should be back sometime this week. Hopefully it will just be the water pump. but I will definitely get one of those kits to test the HG just in case, while the car is still under warranty. Failing I can get a suitable kit, where are you located? Caerphilly or Barry?

[Mistermena]

Moved to Barry now... let us all know how you get on.

[jazzyman]

ok, should have more news later in the week. :)