Coolant flush
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CajunYota
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Make sure you're using either Genuine Toyota SLLC (Super Long Life Coolant, aka "Toyota Pink") or one that is compatible (so far in my research only the Amsoil Coolant and Zerex Asian Formula match up to SLLC.)
Drunner97
New member
How much did that run you? I need to do it on my Tacoma (same engine) and the 4runner in another 12k. Debating on whether I want to do it myself, or just pay the extra and have them do it.
Dealership quoted me $153. I think a jug of coolant runs around $25-$30 from Toyota.
Drunner97
New member
Good writeup and I know I can handle it, but personally for me, between the mess, the disposal, and the time involved for it, 150 at the stealership isn't too bad.
trust me, it's very easy. all you have to do is buy the coolant from Toyota and open the drain from the driverside bottom of the radiator, get a vacuum cleaner that has a blowing capability, blow some air into the radiator cap to push the remaining liquids out thru the drain and refill with the SLLC from Toyota. you should be all set after that.
there's no need to flush but you can clean the white coolant tank.
there's no need to flush but you can clean the white coolant tank.
Top Shelf Synthetics
New member
Its easy to do, it just takes time having to let the engine warm up to start circulation so everything mixes well and goes through the engine/heater core, then letting it cool of to drain. A piece of tubing on the radiator drain to direct flow into whatever container your using makes things a lot cleaner. I plan on switching to AMSOIL coolant when I flush mine again, I have a dealer account and would be happy to help out.
BlueHenT4R
New member
I did it by the book, draining the petcock at the bottom of the radiator as well as on each side of the block. It wasn't difficult other than getting to those side petcocks through the wheel wells. Do yourself a big favor and get a two or three foot ratchet extension. I went ghetto and put several one foot and six inchers together and that was tedious to mate up to the drain bolt.
For a flush its easier to pull the thermostat. To remove and flush fluid from the block. Empty radiator, reinstall thermostat (I always put a new one in), then put half the systems capacity of pure undiluted Toyota antifreeze in and top off with water. Run engine untill thermostat opens and add more water if needed. When done fill reservoir to high mark with 50/50.
Atlanta_man
New member
Nothing every goes quite right for me. The plastic drain broke while I was turning it with my fingers to loosen it. It was not too hard to remove it in several pieces with tools after that.
Took a few days for the Toyota dealer to get me one on back order...
be extra careful with it
BlackWorksInc
New member
This is actually slightly misleading as Toyota SLLC only comes in pre-mixed 50/50 (and I believe 60/40 for climates such as Canada.) There is no need to dilute the coolant; additionally Toyota LLC (or Toyota Red) is a different, older spec of coolant and diluting it does not equal "Toyota Pink" coolant.
Other than that, the information is correct and a good way to do it.
On a side note, first service is at 10yr/100k, following services for coolant are 5yr/50k after the first fluid service.
How long do I need to let the engine warm before I drain it again? I'd hate to drain out the new coolant I just poured in.
Top Shelf Synthetics
New member
I let the engine warm to normal operating temp, turn your heater on high to let it flow through the heater core and circulate throughout the engine. I let it run for about 5-10 min. Shut off engine, let cool for a bit and then drain. Did that a few times till the fluid looked like new coolant out of the bottle.
ben550
New member
Is it ok to mix the Zerex Asian with SLLC? In other words is it ok to drain the radiator (SLLC) and refill with Zerex Asian while the remaining coolant in the engine block/core remains SLLC? Or would it be necessary to drain 100% of the SLLC prior to adding Zerex Asian?
Just curious if they are compatible mixed or if they could potentially gum up due to the different brands mixing...
I was going to buy Zerex its 14 bucks a gallon vs 22 from the dealer.
I broke down and wen to the dealer.
2 gallons of Toyota stuff and 2 gallons of honda stuff.
over 80 bucks in coolant.. WTF... U remember paying 8 bucks a gallon 10 years ago. It better last me another 10 years. :hurt:
I broke down and wen to the dealer.
2 gallons of Toyota stuff and 2 gallons of honda stuff.
over 80 bucks in coolant.. WTF... U remember paying 8 bucks a gallon 10 years ago. It better last me another 10 years. :hurt:
ben550
New member
I bought two gallons from the dealer yesterday for $20.94/gal + tax.
The Zerex Asian was $17/gal at my local napa... really not worth the difference in price. If it was 1/2 the price of SLLC id buy it up.