MCWC Job Status — RAV4 V6
M.C. Wiring & Controls — Wenatchee, WA
2008 Toyota RAV4 · 3.5L V6 AWD
VIN: JTMBK31V485069934 • Portal ID: 9934
Vehicle Profile
Year/Make/Model2008 Toyota RAV4
Engine3.5L V6 DOHC 24V (2GR-FE)
Transmission5-Speed Automatic (U151F)
DrivetrainAWD
Coolant SpecToyota SLLC — Pink/Red 50/50
Coolant FoundGreen “All Vehicle” Universal (INCORRECT)
ClientDanielle
VINJTMBK31V485069934
LocationMCWC Yard — 507 Cascade St, Wenatchee
Overall Progress
Steps 1–13 completed · Current step: Final inspection & return prep
| Step |
Status |
Action Item |
| 1 | ☑ COMPLETE | Full diagnostic performed |
| 2 | ☑ COMPLETE | Water pump condemned per TSB‑0117‑11 |
| 3 | ☑ COMPLETE | Rodent activity documented |
| 4 | ☑ COMPLETE | Client authorization obtained |
| 5 | ☑ COMPLETE | Job packet created |
| 6 | ☑ COMPLETE | Parts list finalized |
| 7 | ☑ COMPLETE | Flatbed trailer secured |
| 8 | ☑ COMPLETE | Parts purchased |
| 9 | ☑ COMPLETE | Vehicle transported to MCWC site |
| 10 | ☑ COMPLETE | Water pump replacement performed |
| 11 | ☑ COMPLETE | Rodent‑risk wiring inspection completed |
| 12 | ☑ COMPLETE | Cooling system refilled, bled, and pressure‑tested |
| 13 | ☑ COMPLETE | Road test performed — no leaks or overheating |
| 14 | ☐ PENDING | Final inspection & readiness confirmation |
| 15 | ☐ PENDING | Return vehicle to client |
| 16 | ☐ PENDING | Upload final notes, receipts, and photographs |
Last updated: May 5, 2026 — MC Wiring & Controls
Water Pump Replacement — 2GR-FE
The water pump was condemned as the confirmed primary failure point following a complete MCWC diagnostic workflow — OBD2 scan, visual inspection, coolant system pressure test, and cross-reference against Toyota TSB T-SB-0117-11. The failure classifies as Category A — Current Leak, which calls for immediate pump replacement.
⚠ Incorrect Coolant Discovered
Green “all vehicle” universal coolant was found in the system instead of the required Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC). This incompatible chemistry is a contributing factor to premature seal degradation across the entire cooling system. The system has been flushed with distilled water and refilled with the correct Toyota SLLC (pink/red, premixed 50/50).
🐀 Rodent Activity Documented
Evidence of rodent activity was discovered during engine bay inspection — chewed wiring insulation and nesting material. This is being assessed during disassembly. If any wiring damage is found to be safety-critical, a separate estimate will be provided. Rodent damage is not part of the water pump repair scope but is documented for transparency.
Diagnostic & Repair Timeline
Initial Intake
Vehicle Received — Coolant Leak / Overheating Concern
- Client reported coolant leak and overheating concern
- Vehicle determined not drivable
- Full MCWC diagnostic workflow initiated
Diagnostic Phase
Full Diagnostic Completed — Water Pump Condemned
- OBD2 scan performed — no overheating DTCs stored (intervention before catastrophic failure)
- Active coolant leak confirmed at water pump weep hole under pressure test
- Heavy green coolant deposits on pump body AND surrounding engine components
- Coolant level below “LOW” mark on reservoir
- Incorrect coolant type discovered (green universal instead of Toyota SLLC)
- Classified Category A — Current Leak per Toyota TSB T-SB-0117-11
- Rodent activity documented in engine bay
Authorization
Client Authorized Repair
Danielle personally authorized the repair to proceed. MCWC job packet created with full scope, diagnostic findings, parts list, torque specs, and execution plan — documented before any parts were purchased.
Parts & Transport
Parts Submitted — Flatbed Transport Executed
- All parts submitted through AutoZone (AISIN WPT-803 OE-equivalent pump, thermostat, O-ring, Toyota SLLC, Three Bond 1344, clips)
- Vehicle transported via flatbed from Crawford & Wenatchee Ave to MCWC yard at 507 Cascade St
- Key stashed by client for pickup — vehicle winch-loaded, four-point tie-down
Repair Phase
Water Pump Replacement Performed
- Full removal/install per MCWC technician workflow (AllData procedure, 2GR-FE)
- Right-side engine mount removed, thermostat housing removed, belt tensioner cleared
- Old pump removed — 16 bolts (8×12mm, 8×10mm)
- Block face cleaned, bolt holes chased
- New AISIN WPT-803 installed with new gasket/O-ring
- Three Bond 1344 applied to two specified bolt locations
- Torque applied: Bolt A (12mm) = 21 Nm / 15 ft-lbf; Bolts B&C (10mm) = 9.1 Nm / 81 in-lbf
- Thermostat replaced with new O-ring
- System drained of old green coolant, flushed with distilled water until clear
- Refilled with correct Toyota SLLC (pink/red 50/50)
Post-Install Issue
O-Ring Issues Encountered with Kit
O-rings supplied with the replacement kit presented fitment and sealing issues during installation. Required additional attention and troubleshooting during assembly.
Pressure Test
System Did Not Hold Pressure
After water pump installation and coolant fill/bleed, the cooling system was pressurized. The system did not hold pressure. This indicates a remaining leak source — either related to the O-ring fitment issues, a secondary leak point exposed now that the primary failure has been corrected, or a connection that needs reseating.
This is consistent with the documented risk: with incompatible green universal coolant having been in the system for an unknown duration, rubber seals, O-rings, and gasket surfaces throughout the cooling system may have been chemically degraded. The next weakest component may present a leak only after the primary failure is corrected and full system pressure is restored.
In Progress
Smoke Test — Locating Remaining Leak Source
A smoke test is being performed to visually identify the exact location of the remaining leak. Smoke is introduced into the sealed cooling system under low pressure — any breach in the system will show visible smoke escaping at the leak point. This is the most precise method for pinpointing small leaks that a standard pressure test can detect but not locate.
Once the leak source is identified, findings will be documented and next steps communicated to Danielle before any additional work is performed.
Technician Notes (Internal)
Primary Concern
Water pump replacement complete. System pressurized
post-install -- DID NOT HOLD. O-ring issues with
supplied kit complicated assembly. Smoke test
initiated to pinpoint remaining leak source.
Possible leak sources under investigation:
- O-ring seating on new pump or thermostat housing
- Secondary seal failure (next weakest link)
- Hose clamp connection not fully seated
- Thermostat housing gasket surface
- Radiator seam or heater hose connection
Contributing factor: Unknown duration of green
universal coolant in system. Incompatible chemistry
may have degraded rubber seals and O-rings
throughout the cooling system.
MCWC protocol: Identify leak via smoke test,
document, photograph, report to client. No
additional work without Danielle's authorization.
TSB Reference
Toyota TSB T-SB-0117-11
"Water Pump Inspection and Diagnostic Tips"
Issued: September 1, 2011 (updated August 9, 2021)
Applicable: 2006-2011 RAV4 (2GR-FE)
Classification for this vehicle:
CATEGORY A -- CURRENT LEAK -- REPLACE WATER PUMP
✓ Coolant level below LOW
✓ Heavy deposits on pump AND surrounding components
✓ Active leak at weep hole under pressure
Automated Customer Update
Update from M.C. Wiring & Controls
Danielle —
Your water pump has been replaced and the system was flushed and refilled with the correct Toyota coolant. During our post-repair pressure test, the system didn’t hold pressure the way it should, so we’re running a smoke test to find exactly where the remaining leak is.
This doesn’t mean the water pump repair failed — it means there’s something else in the system that needs attention, which we flagged as a possibility in your job packet because of the wrong coolant that was in there before. We’re tracking it down.
As soon as we know what we’re looking at, you’ll be the first to know. Nothing additional gets done without your say-so.
MCWC stands behind the work. We’ll get this right.
Your portal ID: 9934
Visit: https://mcwiring.ct.ws/
Next Required Actions
- Complete smoke test — identify and document remaining leak source
- Photograph findings — visual documentation of leak location
- Report to client — communicate findings to Danielle with repair recommendation
- Obtain authorization — no additional work without client approval
- Repair secondary leak — once authorized, correct the issue
- Re-pressurize and verify — full-system pressure test at operating temperature
- Test drive and final check — monitor temps, re-check after cool-down
- Return vehicle — deliver RAV4 back to Danielle
Night shift approved Per M.T Hours worked are to be logged as CCA Wen*******************************************
- Complete smoke test — identify and REPAIR remaining leak source -
- Finalize cosmetic — Panel needs to be completed for satisfactory reinstall
- Night reports that: — Pressure test passed within +-5% moisture on block, sealed and retorqued 2 10mm bolts, panel is just about complete for reinstall.