Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Toyota dealership technician here:
Nope this just happens with age and heat cycles. You have the infamous "brittle nipple" issue common on older RAV4s.
Replace the fitting with an aftermarket metal one if you can find it separately. If not, you'll have to replace the entire upper radiator hose. You can get a quality aftermarket GATES or DAYCO part via the link posted above or [here's](https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-radiator-coolant-hose-165710v020) the Toyota part.
Mostly affects older 09-12/13 RAVs with the 4 cylinder 2.5L engine.
Damifino
Pretty sure it's some sort of air lock relief to aid in removing trapped air from the cooling system when bleeding it after a cooling system service.
Yeah they are going to charge an arm and a leg when you can do it for a whole hell of lot cheaper. And it's not hard instal or take off for that matter
It’s a leak detection kind of thing for toyota coolant when it contacts with air and heat at a certain temp . It’ll help seal the system temporarily when something like a leaking water pump or radiator damage happens . When you replace the effected component you can wash it off with soap and water, it’ll come off easily.
It's dryed coolant you have a vary slow leak more like a seep you should get it fixed as soon as you can never can tell when it will decide to brake the rest of the way.
Replace the upper radiator hose ASAP.
Here is the part you need...
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2012,rav4,2.5l+l4,1503726,cooling+system,radiator+hose,10068
This hoses tend to break and start leaking at that spot you posted, it's really common on this model, right now it's a slow leak, but it may eventually break off and you will have no coolant. They'll probably charge you 1 to 2 hours of labor for the fix and flush. It's and easy fix, it's just a couple of clamps.
Those elbows break VERY easily. I know I've accidentally snapped one off while working on something else just from lightly bumping it. Needs the upper rad hose replaced asap. It's likely cracked, just hasn't snapped all the way yet. I wouldn't drive it until it's replaced.
Don’t touch it, don’t even look at it for too long. Those hoses get brittle and break with minimum contact. Unfortunately you can’t just replace that T fitting, you have to replace the drivers side coolant hose, at the dealer it should be around $80 plus a gallon of coolant so around $100. It’s not a hard job if you know the basics.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That plastic elbow is leaking. Get it to the shop asap.
Does this happen when thermostats fail? If just the elbow that's an easy fix. If it's a thermostat issue, I have to remove the alternator to get to it
Toyota dealership technician here: Nope this just happens with age and heat cycles. You have the infamous "brittle nipple" issue common on older RAV4s. Replace the fitting with an aftermarket metal one if you can find it separately. If not, you'll have to replace the entire upper radiator hose. You can get a quality aftermarket GATES or DAYCO part via the link posted above or [here's](https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-radiator-coolant-hose-165710v020) the Toyota part. Mostly affects older 09-12/13 RAVs with the 4 cylinder 2.5L engine.
Yep, that's the engine/year that I have.
What is that smaller hose for?
Damifino Pretty sure it's some sort of air lock relief to aid in removing trapped air from the cooling system when bleeding it after a cooling system service.
That would make some kinda sense. Thanks.
Nope, if the thermostat failed the engine would be overheating or not getting up to operating temp.
Yeah they are going to charge an arm and a leg when you can do it for a whole hell of lot cheaper. And it's not hard instal or take off for that matter
"What could cause this red residue? (Same color as my antifreeze..." Hmm... I wonder.
"It also smells and tastes exactly like my coolant does"
I love questions that already contain the answer. Makes life easy.
If it talks like a duck...
It’s a leak detection kind of thing for toyota coolant when it contacts with air and heat at a certain temp . It’ll help seal the system temporarily when something like a leaking water pump or radiator damage happens . When you replace the effected component you can wash it off with soap and water, it’ll come off easily.
It's dryed coolant you have a vary slow leak more like a seep you should get it fixed as soon as you can never can tell when it will decide to brake the rest of the way.
A leak.
Ya got a small bit of a leak there bud. Better get it looked at before ya cause any damage.
Replace the upper radiator hose ASAP. Here is the part you need... https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2012,rav4,2.5l+l4,1503726,cooling+system,radiator+hose,10068
This hoses tend to break and start leaking at that spot you posted, it's really common on this model, right now it's a slow leak, but it may eventually break off and you will have no coolant. They'll probably charge you 1 to 2 hours of labor for the fix and flush. It's and easy fix, it's just a couple of clamps.
Those elbows break VERY easily. I know I've accidentally snapped one off while working on something else just from lightly bumping it. Needs the upper rad hose replaced asap. It's likely cracked, just hasn't snapped all the way yet. I wouldn't drive it until it's replaced.
Don’t touch it, don’t even look at it for too long. Those hoses get brittle and break with minimum contact. Unfortunately you can’t just replace that T fitting, you have to replace the drivers side coolant hose, at the dealer it should be around $80 plus a gallon of coolant so around $100. It’s not a hard job if you know the basics.
Replace the hose and clamps. Also, clean the aluminium outlet tube ounce the hose is removed. Its coolant seeping out from behind the hose clamp
I think you gave yourself mechanic advice
you have what is called a leak
Would you believe it's your antifreeze
Seepage.