Anti-freeze - Is It Easy To Do ?

[Toyota3000]

Hi

Am I right in thinking that all you need to do is drain the radiator completely, add about 1/3 anti-freeze to water (or 1/2 depending) ?

Thanks in advance :)

[Black Knight]

You need to drain the radiator AND the block (you'll find a drain tap on the block) otherwise you'll have a litre or two of the old coolant left in the block.

Strictly speaking you should use the Toyota approved Long Life Coolant since it's got anti-corrosive properties and distilled water (otherwise you get minerals in the water precipitating out and potentially causing blockages, typically in the heater matrix) but that choice is up to you.

The proportions sound about right but it'll depend on the coolant you use (no proportions on the bottle?)

[clarky]

You need to get a pale or basin under the drain outlet - under the passengerside - near the front bumper - then open the drain valve - directly above the outlet inside the engine bay.

Remember to open the rad cap too to let the air push out the remainder of the coolant.

I used pre-mixed stuff so Im not sure about the proportions.

Toyota have their own Toyota Red premixed stuff - a 5l bottle works out to 18quid at my dealer. You dont have to mess about with it at all - just whack it in.

The car holds 4.4l so you have a bit spare for accidents etc - having refilled about 2/3 of it you need to start the car (with the rad cap off and drain valve closed) for say a minute - this will push the coolant around and allow you to top up the remainder.

I did this the other day - hence the slightly anorak style response!

[ronnyboy696]

you need to drain it from the bottom of the radiator, and the block, easiest way is to take the radiadtor bottom hose off, drains the whole engine in minutes.

i would prefer to use the toyota coolant, but have never changed mine yet.

then fill it up at the rad cap and run for about 10 minutes with the heater on hot, this makes the coolant heat up quiker and bleads the heater matrix in the car of any air, run the enginr for about 10 minutes, your waiting for the fan to cut in really, this shows its hot, top up the radiator and put the cap on. all done.