NEW RADIATOR FILL AND BLEED

You do it before you turn on the vehicle, when the thermostat is closed. You squeeze gently to prevent forcing bubbles through the thermostat. Its the procedure Ive seen in Clymers. Don't have one for the Taco, but this procedure has never failed me.

 

You know, I dont know. I’ve always added coolant to the top line when cold and the vehicle is leveled. I will pull out my manual and see if it covers that.

 

@rockinrich
I just did my radiator along with all other fluids, just clocked over 100,000 miles so it was due.
1. Park on a level surface, have the proper catch bin under the petcock valve, take off radiator cap and cap to overflow tank.
2. Allow an hour to let it fully drain.
3. Close petcock valve & overflow tank, fill with distilled water, use the old radiator cap.
4. Run engine with heater/lights/radio etc off. This is to hear your rpms when you aren't in the cabin plus any other noises. Let it run until it hits normal operating temp and shut down. Let it cool completely.
5. Put a catch under the petcock again, drain again for hour or more, radiator cap off, overflow cap off.
6. Take off old radiator hose on top, change out for new one.
7. Put new radiator cap on, Have new radiator cap ready, leave off, close petcock, cap on overflow. Fill with 50/50 half a gallon since there will be some water in the block. Alternate filling with distilled water and 50/50 until you get bubble over in the radiator, fill slowly (I gave it 45 min on filling with rad fluid and did other things while letting it fully settle).
8. When it seems full and not putting anything into the overflow res, idle 2,000 rpm for about 4 minutes, watch your temp gauge, it may seem longer than usual for the needle to move. When it gets to operating temp, turn on the heater or ac defrost. Let run another 4 minutes or so.
9. Shut it down, let cool completely.
10. Check radiator, if you can't see any fluid on the edge of the top fins and overflow has nothing in it, fill with 50/50 only slowly, fill the overflow about a quarter up.
11. Take it for a 10-15 min spin watching the gauge. Turn cabin heater on high, if you don't feel heat the T-stat may be stuck closed.
12. If you aren't getting any heat in the cabin, temp gauge is a bit higher than usual and the engine does odd revving up, you need more 50/50. Fill from the overflow tank, not directly into the radiator.

You should be good after that and ready to roll for another 100,000 miles.

 

The reason I don't do this is I change the rad hose at the same time. Saves from any priming.

 

Yeah,if you have a haynes manual in chapter 1-11 #9 it says when the engine is cold the coolant level should be at or slightly above the low mark and once the engine has warmed up the level should be at or near the full mark.But then it says if it's not to the full mark let it cool down and then add to the full line in the reservoir which to me seems weird as they said when the coolant is cool it should be at or just above the low mark.

 

Check out the step by step I posted. It eliminates the confusion and at that point, you can flush and fill any radiator np.

 

i just read it,thank you very much!

 

Step #7...I messed up and meant have the new rad cap ready and off to fill, duh on my part.

 

got ya,thank you.

 

If the new upper radiator hose is difficult to get the clamps to slide into position, dab your finger in dawn soap and circle the crimp until it slides into place. Don't use it on the inside of the hose, just keep wiggling until it is fully seated at both ends.

 

From my 07 manual:

Checking the engine coolant level
Look at the see−through coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the reservoir.
If the level is low, add the coolant. (For the coolant type, see “Coolant type selection” described be- low.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine temperature.
However, if the level is on or below the “LOW” line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL” line.

 

great tip,thank you!

 

Edit: Crap. It could be the blue but you can tell which one it had last by what is left over in the overflow tank.
There really is only one kind of rad fluid for Taco's that will last 100,000 as per any certified manual: Aisin Red. Link is for reference.
https://www.aisinaftermarket.com/english/products/25.html

 

yes but after it says the coolant level will vary with engine temp then it says when the engine is cold it should be at or slightly above the low mark on the tank.

 

I read it as … dont worry if the level is between the two lines, but if the level is at or below the low line, then top off to the top line.

I always keep it to the top line. Im a rebel that way. Haha.

 

You are figuring it out because yes, it should be a tad above the low mark on cold engine.
Overflow tank needs room to "overflow" when you are in hotter outdoor temps so it needs room to expand (meaning coolant can move to overflow tank when needed).

As for funnel for filling: Bought a kitchen one at the dollar store, utility knife the small end 90º angle. Done.

 

lol i hear ya!

 

thank you and i used to think it worked the opposite as when you drive it it took reserves from the tank and when stopped it put them back in but it's the opposite,who knew!

 

but if you top it off when it's cold and the radiator wants to send hot fluid into the tank it can't do that as old taco said.

 

There is plenty of room for the coolant to expand above the full line. Read this post.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-says-the-wise-forum.755047/page-2#post-26910661