Do I have radiator issues???

[thor999]

I'm going to change out the radiator, just to be safe against future strawberry milkshake. But I'm wondering, should I use any kind of chemical flush to clean out the rest of the system? If so, should I use the chemical stuff before or after the new radiator is installed? Also, what chemical to use? What about one of those flush/fill kits that you hook up to your hose, yay or nay?

Here I go again! OK this is approx a 2 gal system, here is what you do: get 4 gallons of white vinegar and 6 gallons of distilled water. Do this:
1) Drain system completely
2) refill with white vinegar
3) run up to normal operating temp, run another 15-30 mins
4) allow system to cool completely
5) drain completely, allow system to cool
6) refill with distilled water
7) repeat step 3, then 4, then 5
Then, repeat steps 1-7 once again, and if you are still getting discharge, try one more time.
Once you are running clear, run another cycle of distilled water just to be sure, then drain completely. Top off with Toy red coolant, burp system properly, then check for leaks for the next few weeks. Costs half as much as a flush kit, works twice as good, and is all natural!

 

[NWA_Dave]

I just bought that Amazon one (tyc) & it looks good to me. From what I understand, there's a good chance Koyo makes tyc's rads too.

Fyi on the tranny fluid, the dealer cost (mine anyway) isn't much more than the cost of the fluid itself - plus there's something like 5 gallons in there, so dealing with the mess doesn't seem all that worth it to me.

My owner's manual shows 2.1 quarts (drain and refill), that's no where near 5 gallons...am I missing something?

 

[thor999]

My owner's manual shows 2.1 quarts (drain and refill), that's no where near 5 gallons...am I missing something?

Haynes manual: ('96 - '02) w/ rear heater, 9.5 quarts / w/out, 8.5 quarts.

 

[NWA_Dave]

Haynes manual: ('96 - '02) w/ rear heater, 9.5 quarts / w/out, 8.5 quarts.

I was referring to the op's reference to the tranny fluid being 12 gallons.

 

[thor999]

I was referring to the op's reference to the tranny fluid being 12 gallons.

Oh sorry Dave, that was meant to "reinforce" your post! Honestly, I remember pouring just under 2 gallons for the flush, probably just a touch more to top off for final fill of coolant after these steps.

 

[NWA_Dave]

How about bleeding out the air guys, I've seen in some posts it's made out to be tough, others not so much. Is it worth $25 for this:
Lisle 24610 Spill-Free Funnel : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[agloukhoff]

I have gone through hell bleeding the air out of a Chrysler Concorde and a Triumph Sprint, but the 4Runner seems to be easy.

I'd say all you need is a big hill to park on radiator up if the flat surface is giving you problems. I know a lot of posts about overheating suspect air pockets - but I don't recall ever seeing one where the issue didn't turn out to be something far worse.

 

[fish0281]

I was referring to the op's reference to the tranny fluid being 12 gallons.

It's 5 gallons worth of fluid for a proper flush/fill...

Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission


I've done my homework and that's why I shared my knowledge with you. Unless you want the satisfaction of seeing the entire contents of your transmissions oil, it's not much more to let the dealer do it with the proper tool (MUCH faster and cleaner for you with little added expense).

 

[fish0281]

Oh sorry Dave, that was meant to "reinforce" your post! Honestly, I remember pouring just under 2 gallons for the flush, probably just a touch more to top off for final fill of coolant after these steps.

The cooling system is about 2 gallons, the tranny is not.

 

[NWA_Dave]

I received my Koyo rad yesterday. Flushed both the cooling sys and tranny, replaced the rad, cleaned out the filthy overflow tank with simple green and sand. The tranny fluid was BLACK.

Today, it's seafoam, plugs & wires, clean the throttle body & MAF, and deckplate mod!

 

[TX4Running]

Black specs in coolant overflow

I've got small black specs / sediment in the coolant overflow tank. Nothing floating, all at bottom. Not too much of it but enough to make me worry. Coolant still has the fluorescent yellow/green color to it, but with a slightly darker tint. Any ideas? Possibly deteriorating hose? Hopefully not anything to do with the water pump or head gasket. I've got the original radiator with 180K miles on it. I performed a flush of the system back in January and used Peak cleaner prior to doing 2 distilled water flushes. Thanks for any help.