Coolant question

[Nedlee]

Getting ready to do my timing belt. From what I've read, it seems that most people recommend using Toyota's coolant (the pink stuff). Is it okay to use something else instead and save a few bucks?

 

[<<<<]

Make sure it is compatible with aluminum engine block. You'll change that once in a long while and it is near impossible to flush old stuff out completely. I'd just stick with OEM pink stuff.

 

[Nedlee]

My next question is, how many gallons do I need for a complete drain and fill?

 

[fourwd1]

Depends, what year truck? what engine? equipped with a tow package? etc.

 

[<<<<]

My next question is, how many gallons do I need for a complete drain and fill?

You said timing belt so it is V8, right? Year of the truck and engine size will narrow answers down.

 

[fourwd1]

You said timing belt so it is V8, right? Year of the truck and engine size will narrow answers down.

V6 has a belt also.
Details always help.

 

[<<<<]

V6 has a belt also.
Details always help.

Not 2003-2009 4.0L V6.



.

 

[Nedlee]

Sorry. That is kind of important info. 2004, sport edition, 4.7L, 4wd, w/ tow package.

 

[Merle]

IIRC, as it has been a while, I bought 3 gallons of the pink stuff for a timing belt & water pump change. I then recall returning one container back to the Toyota dealership.

I preferred the pink stuff because it's what came in the vehicle (waah, big whoop) but because it's one less thing I want to worry about - until I do my timing belt change again.

 

[ChaosStarter]

If you do the water pump at the same time, I would get 3. Like Merle said, you could always return the unused one, or keep it around for safe keeping.