I had all coolant hoses replaced and they did a nice job, but the independent mechanic drained a gallon of coolant and then instead of diluting the factory Red Totota coolant, he put in a gallon of full strength. Leave it like that? Or drain out half a gallon and add half gallon distilled water? Can't really see how it would hurt to leave it as is.
full strength Red coolant ok?
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the_welfare_wagon
New member
From what I know and heard using just full strength will lower the overall ability of the coolant to absorb heat. Water being added helps it absorb heat better. I personally don't think it will really do anything BUT draining some coolant and spending 2 bucks for a gallon of distilled water isn't hard to do. I would personally do that for peace of mind if it was my vehicle but thats just my .02.
Also the system takes a little over 2 gallons depending on if you have a rear heater so him adding a gallon of straight coolant probably didn't give you a full strength mixture. Probably more like a 75:25 ratio assuming it was properly diluted before hand.
Also the system takes a little over 2 gallons depending on if you have a rear heater so him adding a gallon of straight coolant probably didn't give you a full strength mixture. Probably more like a 75:25 ratio assuming it was properly diluted before hand.
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ArthurKotb
Member
I would take it back and have the shop completely drain the cooling system, flush and refill with properly mixed Toyota red stuff. It was their mistake.
If you don't want to fight it, go to a dealership or find a new independent. I wouldn't use your independent again, the one who made this careless mistake and refused to fix it.
If you don't want to fight it, go to a dealership or find a new independent. I wouldn't use your independent again, the one who made this careless mistake and refused to fix it.
pluton
Senior Member
Welfare is right: It won't ruin anything, but ideal cooling is achieved with the coolant/water mix.
Capacity(From the FSM)
w/ Rear heater: 9.0 liters (9.5 US qts, 7.9 Imp. qts) w/o Rear heater: 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts, 7.0 Imp. qts).
So....did they drain it only half way? How old is the old stuff that's still in there?
Assuming you have an adequate spot to work on the vehicle, this is what I'd do: Drain it...with the heater valves open and the rad cap off, you can get almost all the coolant out via the little petcock on the bottom of the radiator. Let it drain for a long time---the last 1/2 quart or so comes out at a very slow rate. Let it dribble for an hour.
Then refill with a proper dilution of coolant and distilled water.
Capacity(From the FSM)
w/ Rear heater: 9.0 liters (9.5 US qts, 7.9 Imp. qts) w/o Rear heater: 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts, 7.0 Imp. qts).
So....did they drain it only half way? How old is the old stuff that's still in there?
Assuming you have an adequate spot to work on the vehicle, this is what I'd do: Drain it...with the heater valves open and the rad cap off, you can get almost all the coolant out via the little petcock on the bottom of the radiator. Let it drain for a long time---the last 1/2 quart or so comes out at a very slow rate. Let it dribble for an hour.
Then refill with a proper dilution of coolant and distilled water.
CougarHound
New member
Why did they do that? Lol. They do have coolant testers at AutoZone so you can check your coolant protection level. I think when you flush your coolant system with water there is always water left in the block so just adding pure coolant might bring to a proper dilution...I don't think anybody is going to waste money and flush your system with premixed coolant.
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96RedRunner
Senior Member
Like mentioned check coolant with tester, adjust as needed.
As others have said get a tester and check it.
It might be just fine.
Before testing, if you have a rear heater run it on full hot to circulate everything.
Amazon.com: Prestone AF-1420 Antifreeze/Coolant Tester : Everything Else
It might be just fine.
Before testing, if you have a rear heater run it on full hot to circulate everything.
Amazon.com: Prestone AF-1420 Antifreeze/Coolant Tester : Everything Else
