08 4 runner coolant change

[banzaj]

See attached the procedures both for v6 and v8 from a 2007 t4r service manual. Two engine plugs are located symmetrically to one another, each on its own side of the engine, but having looked at the drawing first time I couldn't figure out why they made it so it looked that one is above another, and the "upper" one is kinda between the engine heads. They should've depicted the RH plug in a dotted line for convinience of those changing the coolant early in the morning, with sleepy heads.

One more thing for v6 (and most likely true for v8): out of totally about 10 quarts in the system you can only drain about 7 (including coolant from the overflow tank and some coolant from the heater if you disconnect the heater hose), meanwhile about 3 qaurts will stay in the system "no matter what". The only way to completely flush the system is to do so via whatever you call that device which they use at a service shop to flush the system by sucking out the old coolant while pumping the new one through.

Also, as per my mechanic, no air pockets would be formed after changing and proper bleeding - as per the instructions. You just have to check / top up the level on the next morning - after engine cools down, if needed, it would suck up coolant from the overflow tank, so it would have to be topped up then.

 

[ntrail]

So for whatever reason I found my radiator reservoir cap came off and I lost ~12 ounces or so (fell just below the minimum line). I had Preston (yellow) fluid (non-silicate, etc... As much per Toyota spec as could be determined from the bottle) that I used to get it up to full for use that day.

Should I be good to use it as-is for awhile (07 4Runner, V6, with 66k miles), or look to do a flush sooner rather than later? Also, if I did a flush, would it be recommended to only use OEM (pink) fluid?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hmm, I would probably do a flush and stick with the Toyota SLLC. Mixing non-similar coolants isn't a good idea because of possible chemical interactions.

I can't find ANY mention on Prestone's website that their "Extended Life Coolant" which is the Yellow Bottle, is Non-Silicate, Non-Borate, ect. Which makes me immediately suspicious as its advertised as "Works in ANY Car!" So... without an MSD or Specifications sheet I wouldn't trust it.

 

[MikeInNH]

I personally don't TRUST the 100k coolant life or the Lifetime transmission fluid.

I change my coolant every other year (about 60k miles)..and my transmission fluid every 50k miles. Preventative maintenance is a lot cheaper then a new engine or new transmission.

 

[NuclearN8]

Is this the same on our 4Runner V-6's as well? I'm guessing so since it's the same engine

Coolant change for 1GR-FE - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

 

[jkdenson]

Coolant Flush

I have a 2008 4Runner SR5 V6. I need to flush my cooling system for the first time. Does anyone know if I need the red or pink coolant? Also, about how much will my car hold (do I need one gallon or two)?

I saw a Pentofrost Pink Antifreeze Pre-Diluted coolant online. Is that ok to use or is it absolutely imperative I use Toyota coolant?

 

[MedicBob]

My 2008 called for SLLC, the pink stuff. I would stick with the OEM Toyota fluid. Expensive but it is changed every 50,000 miles once the first change is done at 100,000 miles.

My plan next days off is to just drain the radiator and refill. Then do the drain and refill every so often of the radiator.

Don't run the engine to get it out as your engine needs coolant to cool. There are two additional drain points listed above in this thread if you want to get as much out as possible.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I have a 2008 4Runner SR5 V6. I need to flush my cooling system for the first time. Does anyone know if I need the red or pink coolant? Also, about how much will my car hold (do I need one gallon or two)?

I saw a Pentofrost Pink Antifreeze Pre-Diluted coolant online. Is that ok to use or is it absolutely imperative I use Toyota coolant?

You want Toyota SLLC coolant. Or if you don't want to get the Toyota stuff, Zerex Asian Formula will work as well, though I am not sure of Pentafrost's compatibility as I haven't looked at their ingredients list.