Coolant Replacement

[Shinzo]

Hi guys.

I have a 1999 S reg 1.8 GLS (not sure if it makes any difference), and need to replace my coolant in readiness for the winter.

I've bought the coolant from Toyota (I was sold 6 litres) and thought it should be quite easy to do myself (rather than pay loads at Toyota), but as there are currently no Haynes manuals available, could someone please give me some advice on the process, i.e. how do I drain the existing coolant, how do I ensure that I don't get any air in the system (or removing the air if it is unavoidable).

Thanks for your help in advance.

Cheers, S.

[gazza1286]

Your car will have a 7A-FE engine.

There are two drain plugs:

(i) The bottom of the radiator. This is a plastic tap which is on the in-board side. Usually a bit tight. A pair of pliers is sufficient to slacken.

(ii) The engine block. This is a 14mm nut. It is on side facing the radiator. It is a couple of inches away from the oil filter. Can be reach with a socket and short extension bar. Be VERY careful with this nut as it is easily rounded. Doing the job with the engine warm and using a quality socket should increase your chances of removing it safely.

A straight refill doesn't usually result in air-locks. Your may need to top-up a couple of times so keep an eye on the levels in the expansion tank.

[totis]

Hello guys and happy new year!

With the 4A-FE engine, the procedure dor changing the coolant fluid is the same?

Do I have to remove this plug from the engine?

It' s in the same position?

Many thanks in advance!

[gazza1286]

Yes it is the same for the 4A-FE. The drain plug is in the same position and should be removed to drain the old coolant.

[totis]

Yes it is the same for the 4A-FE. The drain plug is in the same position and should be removed to drain the old coolant.

gazza, if this plug is placed near the oil filter then it should be higher than the radiator plug, so whats the purpose of removing it?

thx in advance

[gazza1286]

It empties the engine block. If you follow the hoses to and from the radiator you will see why it needs to be removed.

[vmax1]

It empties the engine block. If you follow the hoses to and from the radiator you will see why it needs to be removed.

Gents,

re. 14mm hex head

I changed my coolant before Christmas. Be very careful whilst attempting to undo this, yes, my socket rounded the corners- even with the engine warm. It's probably safer to use a walldrive socket, as I did in the end, this "bites" on the flats so you get better purchase.

Regards,

Vmax1

[gazza1286]

Thanks for the tip

[peterc.lewis@blueyonder.co.uk]

Thanks for the tip

You've probably already spotted this , the Haynes manual is out now.