Engine Coolant Drain Location

I can't seem to find the petcock/screw to drain the coolant out of my 2008 Pre-Runner's engine. I got it out of the radiator but I need to drain the engine to change the water pump. Thanks

 

Post 33 has a pic of the location.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/coolant-drain-and-fill.219755/page-2#post-5807897

 

I may stand corrected, but I believe there's a 2nd one on the other side of the block as well.

 

Yes, you are correct their are two. I can't find the write up on it. I believe they are in the same location on both sides.

 

This might help:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/files/05FSM/repair.html

 

the drain location on the driver side is right below the header; it is closer to the left (forward most exhaust outlet )

the passenger side is easier to access; remove the black drape held by clips and it is a straight shot

theres a 10 mm hex nut and below the nut theres a spout where you can fit 7/16" clear vinyl tubing so its not a big mess to drain the coolant

 

Drivers Side


Passenger Side

 

Awesome pics!

 

I did this to my truck today, drained about two gallons out total. Pretty easy.

 

This is awesome. Do you know where i can find this for gen1??

 

http://web.archive.org/web/20110102225436/http://www.ncttora.com/FSM/

 

Both drain cocks are better visible and accessible over the front tires and by removing the engine debris covers. I have a 2-inch lift an did not need to remove the tires; non-lift suspensions may need to remove them, or just raise the front end a bit. A long 18-inch socket extension comes in handy. More so for the driver-side, as I recall.

 

I access both through the wheel well without removing anything (non-lifted truck). The drivers side requires a socket universal joint. I use two 6" 3/8" extensions but as mentioned a longer extension would be better.

driver's side left pic, passenger side right pic

 

Hello fellow Tacoma drivers: Regarding the left and right side spouts (2 of them), the screw next to the spout is actually a valve: Counterclockwise to open the spout flow of radiator coolant and clockwise to close the flow. It does NOT take a lot of pressure to activate this valve (AKA: Screw). NOTE: It's not a typical screw; it's like a water faucet. Very little pressure is needed to activate it with a sprocket. Immediately, after a slight counterclockwise rotation with the sprocket ratchet wrench, use of the fingers to regulate the flow of coolant is needed. Connection of see-through hose attached to the spout avoids a nasty spill. I hope to have contributed to our blog. Cheers everyone !!!

 

Good to know

 

The 4.0L V6 drivers side engine coolant drain plug is also accessible from the top. Photo below of how this looks + pic of a bracket that needs to come off in order to help getting to the drivers side drain plug from above w/o scratching up your arm.
You can first reach in with your hand to connect a drain hose; then connect the 1/4" extension/socket.