V6 Antifreeze/Coolant Change How-To

pink instead of green but the gradient is valid

 

#Dm93, okay, I drain and check visually how dirty it is, and perhaps flush if it is dirty, I am hoping its clear...Even tho I have a 4x4, I NEVER went Off-Roading with the Tacoma...

 

#Dm93, thanks for the advice...very helpful..

 

Crap in cooling systems typically comes from coolant breaking down due to age, mixing incompatible coolants, and/or using tap water instead of distilled water.

 

-J

 

I’m doing my flush right now and only drained 3/4 of a gallon out of the radiator and passenger side drain combined. What am I doing wrong here? Coolant came out clean. Yes the radiator cap was off. I poured in about the same amount that came out

 

maybe the thermostat didn’t get up to temperature and didn’t fully open. This was a great buy when I did mine:

$22 EPAuto Spill Proof Radiator Coolant Filling Funnel Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I40ZQWE

 

I don’t think that applies. The engine is cold when I drain the radiator and passenger block drain. I’m literally talking about the draining of old coolant. How come not even a gallon came out?

 

If it was full when you started I'm not sure, mine has always taken almost exactly 2 gallons when I open the rad and both block drains but the drivers side drain is never more than a quart or 2.

 

I know, that’s what so confusing for the radiator was filled to the top when I started. Barely anything came out of the passenger side drain. Maybe it was tied up in the heater core?

Zero issues once I burp the system and brought it up to temperature.

 

You sure the drain wasnt just plugged?

 

I didn’t think of that during the time, I guess anything is possible. Maybe it’s clogged? But I guess why would 3/4 of a gallon come out and not the rest? Also, I got nothing but drops out of the passenger side engine block. Maybe everything is just clogged? is there anyway to unclog that? Will a paperclip fit in there?

 

Doesn't take much to clog those, any piece of small semi stiff wire should work to clean it out.

 

I’m guessing I can unscrew the entire drain plug without damaging anything? I only drained from the hose

 

Yes you can.

 

Quick question for you guys that replaced the thermostat. How did you get the nut that is closest to the block back on ? I can get to the top and the one closest to the radiator but can't get my hand in there to start the nut to do the one on the bottom closest to the block . And even removing the oil cooler line I can only get one finger on the nut .

 

Great write up, OP! Thanks a ton. Your truck is CLEAN btw. Looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor!

 

That's exactly what I do...Works fine for many cars over many years !

 

I use a short extension with an elbow attachment. I put a dap of silicone on the sock head to hold the nut in place. It is still tricky, but it works.

 

That is a good idea ! I will have to give that a try . Thanks for the reply ! Much appreciated!! Yeah I definitely see how that one is tricky to get back on and start threading it .