Coolant Swap

[thiniceracing]

hi, all.

i'm going to be changing the coolant on a 2008 1.8vvti avensis (t25?) next week.

is there any particular prescribed procedure?

any particular type of coolant to use?

[waqar_lionheart]

Haynes Manual?????

[FROSTYBALLS]

Toyota Super Long Life coolant or "a high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long life hybrid organic acid technology (OAT)".

[thiniceracing]

thanks for the advice on using oat coolant. however as there is no haynes manual for this vehicle i'm looking for advice on the procedure. ie. is there a drain plug somewhere and is there a ceratin bleed procedure to prevent airlocks?

[alan333]

Haven't drained one but the general procedure... Make sure the heater is set to max heat so the matrix isn't shut off. If there's a drain point it'll probably be on the bottom of the radiator, if you can't find one just take off the easiest bottom hose. If the old coolant is very dirty try to flush at least the rad out with water. Fill the system into the rad (not the header tank), and get as many bubbles out as you go by squeezing all the hoses. Also fill the header tank to mid-way. If you find multiple (if any) bleed valves start at the bottom and work up. Once it appears full leave the rad cap off and run the engine, and continue to top up as necessary as the engine heats up. Once it stops needing topped up replace the rad cap and keep running the car until the cooling fan kicks on and off again at least once. Ensure the heater blows hot. Top up the header tank as necessary. Allow to cool and check levels again, and again tomorrow, and again in about 3 days. Watch you don't get scalded with anything.

Sorry if you already know all this, I'm just trying to help.

[thiniceracing]

thanks, i've done that procedure before. just cautious as never worked on this particular model before and its my mothers! if anyone can give some pointers as to the location of any bleed or drain points that would be greatly appreciated.

[Devon Aygo]

Just to add a coolant change is only required every 10yrs/100,000miles on car filled with SLL coolant

[gazza1286]

The engine block also has a drain plug. Not changed the coolant on mine yet. The plug/bolt is on the rear facing side of the block. If anything like my 05 Celica it is awkward to reach - some exhaust brackets need to be unbolted - but we all like a challenge!

[Exvec]

Just change the coolant with out draining the block,as the system is self bleeding if you do encounter an air lock leave the header tank cap on and let the car tick over or rev it to save a bit of time then keep unscrewing and re tightening the cap to expel air,stick a rag over the cap whist unscrewing though in case it boils over.

[JAPCAR]

I asked in other thread but will ask again here because the topic is relevant to coolant:

The car is Avensis D-4D, 1AD-FTV, 80 000miles,2006, no overheating, no problems.

Recently I noticed a big change of coolant level. No matter cold or hot engine, every time I check the level, it is different- below L (but close), or between L and F or on F, or above F (about 1cm). It is quite big difference, probably more then 1 liter...How to explain this, is it any problem in cooling system, or air locks, or need to change coolant ?