My wife has a 2017 RAV4 Hybrid with 97,000 kms . 2 weeks ago we did a Service Level 3 at local Toyota dealer and they mentioned that the water pump has a very very small leak (showed up in tiny stains on my driveway)Toyota cost to repair about $600 with 3 hours labour. My first impression just like in many cars with a timing chain that the camshaft was driving the pump and antifreeze was mixing with the motor oil. So when I checked the level of the oil from the dipstick, I found no antifreeze contamination. I also found that antifreeze levels in both the engine and inverter expansion tanks have not changed. Phew!!
Over 600 kms, there’s no change in levels in both expansion tanks
- On further inspection, I noticed that this engine in 2017 has a belt driven water pump whereas 2018-19 switched to an electric powered pump.
Then am I correct to assume that there’s no chance of oil dilution with this leak? Then I could defer replacing the water pump
- Am I being to too blasé and this and maybe I should replace the water pump? Should its replacement always be OEM or will after market do?
- Thanks
Coolant leaking from the water pump's weep hole is a sign that the water pump's shaft seal or the bearing is beginning to fail.
It's telling you to replace the water pump now.
Replace the water pump now. If it's on the way to failure, you'll be driving along, the engine will overheat and blow the head gasket at the very least. Very expensive fix. You can confirm the water pump leak with a dye test kit.
Just a guess based on your information:
1) I think there is minimal chance for oil dilution if it is just a tiny leak at the water pump gasket. If it is the impeller, then it could cause a chain reaction which could lead to head gasket failure, which could lead to oil dilution.
2) With a critical component, OEM is best. Don’t cheap out. The only other brands I would trust besides Toyota Genuine would be Aisin and Denso. And make sure they are spelled correctly. Their are some knockoffs that use a different spelling, that aren’t the real brand. Probably Aisin since it is a Toyota. Denso if it were a Honda.
If you are planning DIY if it calls for it, make sure to learn how to use FIPG (Form In Place Gasket) correctly. And use the Aisin or Toyota FIPG.
3) Since it is a hybrid, make sure to check BOTH water pumps and tanks for leaks. The engine and the inverter both have water pumps. If it is the inverter water pump, there is virtually no chance for oil dilution, because it is a separate system.
On being blasé, please listen to the more experienced members of this forum. I’m not as experienced as them, so without this forum I would probably be as blasé as you too. Hahaha.
