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Advice on coolant mix in a 2011 tacoma

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Ermine, Jun 3, 2014.

  1. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:20 PM
    #1
    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have a 2011 tacoma. V6 it has 50,000 something miles.

    I went on a camping trip. On the trip I noticed that my coolant level was low.
    The only place for miles was a gas station and they had the green 50/50 coolant.
    I used it to top it off. I have heard it's bad to mix coolants. But I figured I didn't want to be driving the car with low levels. So I topped the coolant level off. Didn't use too much prob 1/4 of a gallon.

    My question is. Do I need the coolant system flushed?
    I don't want to cause damage to my car
     
  2. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:25 PM
    #2
    Hans Moleman

    Hans Moleman Well-Known Member

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    It might damage seals and waterpump.
     
  3. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM
    #3
    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So should I have it completely flushed? Flush the radiator?
     
  4. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:44 PM
    #4
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Nope you arent supposed to mix different color coolants for the most part. I used Toyota OEM to add to mine so the pink stuff. I'd say play it safe and flush and refill with pink OEM. Just FYI you could have just added water to top it off then added some pink when you got home.
     
  5. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:49 PM
    #5
    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok thanks. Is a completed flush of the radiator and engine needed...or just draining and flushing the radiator enough?
     
  6. Jun 3, 2014 at 1:51 PM
    #6
    Hans Moleman

    Hans Moleman Well-Known Member

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    Better flush. Mixing coolants will also screw up the corrosion inhibitor package. Don't use tap water. Use distilled water.
     
  7. Jun 3, 2014 at 2:16 PM
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    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    I'd flush the entire thing if it were me.
     
  8. Jun 3, 2014 at 2:19 PM
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    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

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    I'm Fairly Certain the Toyota Coolant comes pre-mixed as well you shouldn't need to worry about going out and getting Distilled water. I would definitely flush the system.
     
  9. Jun 3, 2014 at 2:24 PM
    #9
    Hans Moleman

    Hans Moleman Well-Known Member

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    I mean flush with distilled water instead of tap water.
     
  10. Jun 3, 2014 at 3:13 PM
    #10
    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok I'll flush the entire thing. Thanks
     
  11. Jun 3, 2014 at 3:51 PM
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    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

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    Good point.
     
  12. Jun 3, 2014 at 7:29 PM
    #12
    wannabetrd

    wannabetrd Well-Known Member

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    Was the overflow tank just slightly low and if you just added to the over flow you could probably get away with dumping that and filling overflow back up
     
  13. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:48 PM
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    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea the overflow was a little low. That was all.
     
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  14. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:53 PM
    #14
    sernaj64

    sernaj64 Aight

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    FLUSH IT bro better spend a new bucks now than having that AHH DAM moment later:D
     
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  15. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:53 PM
    #15
    TenBeers

    TenBeers Well-Known Member

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    Wow. Flush the entire system after adding a little green coolant? I would not worry about it, and I am pretty OCD about my vehicles. Even adding a lot would not be a problem, you just need to change it sooner.
     
  16. Jun 3, 2014 at 8:54 PM
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    TrdSurgie

    TrdSurgie revised

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    The over low container is for overflow.
     
  17. Jun 3, 2014 at 9:39 PM
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    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea. But there is a low and full level. So it shouldn't be below the "low" level right?

    Originally I added some coolant to this tank to bring the level
    Up.

    Sorry I should have clarified this better. I added to the overflow reservoir and not the radiator level.
     
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  18. Jun 3, 2014 at 10:21 PM
    #18
    TrdSurgie

    TrdSurgie revised

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    You should check your oil for coolent.
     
  19. Jun 4, 2014 at 1:34 AM
    #19
    ZEROPILOT

    ZEROPILOT Can't re-MEMBER

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    Most ethelene glycol based coolants will mix with each other. Toyota pink is ethelene glycol. I wouldn't sweat it, if that's what you used. The "overflow" level will be at different levels when the engine is either hot or cold. If the system is sealed and with no leaks in the system, you should be able to go a very long time without needing to ad coolant.
     
  20. Jun 4, 2014 at 8:22 AM
    #20
    Ermine

    Ermine [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So maybe I'll just drain the overflow reservoir and refill with the correct stuff?

    And not flush the entire system
     

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