1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

driving with just tap water in radiator

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by foampile, Dec 20, 2011.

  1. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:47 PM
    #1
    foampile

    foampile [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2011
    Member:
    #68807
    Messages:
    1,081
    Gender:
    Male
    Mid-Atlantic
    Vehicle:
    2007 V6 4WD 6 speed Extended Cab
    is it OK to drive a few miles (to AutoZone) with just tap water in the radiator? i want to buy a proper large receptacle for flushing the system and don't wanna put the new coolant in before i do. assuming that, of course, the temps outside are above freezing.

    thanks
     
  2. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:49 PM
    #2
    wildjerseyfirefighter

    wildjerseyfirefighter I sell fishing and fishing accessories

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    Member:
    #11677
    Messages:
    7,937
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    05 Tacoma TRD Sport
    stock, for now
    Yes, just make sure you flush out all the water or it can freeze in the water.
     
  3. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:49 PM
    #3
    newertoy

    newertoy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2010
    Member:
    #32204
    Messages:
    1,560
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    East Tn
    Vehicle:
    2003 4x4 extra cab
    2" lift AAL and Bilstiens-front-rear,front diff drop. main drive drop
    As long as its not allowed to FREEZE
     
  4. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:50 PM
    #4
    Fiolo

    Fiolo Senior member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2011
    Member:
    #63227
    Messages:
    4,381
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1998 Tacoma, 2022 Tacoma, 2019 L5P Duramax
    Lost track many mods ago
    I think it's fine, I used some on mine because my radiator was leaking and it was fine
     
  5. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:51 PM
    #5
    BrettBretterson

    BrettBretterson Wild Ginger

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2010
    Member:
    #34449
    Messages:
    1,149
    Gender:
    Male
    Bothell, WA
    Vehicle:
    06 DCSB TRD OR 4x4
    5100's
    Yes you'll be fine for a few miles. You don't want to leave it in there permanently obviously, but since you already stated it's for a short distance, you'll be fine.
     
  6. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:52 PM
    #6
    foampile

    foampile [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2011
    Member:
    #68807
    Messages:
    1,081
    Gender:
    Male
    Mid-Atlantic
    Vehicle:
    2007 V6 4WD 6 speed Extended Cab
    thanks y'all
     
  7. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:53 PM
    #7
    Max-4_Yota

    Max-4_Yota The Welfare Cadilac

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2009
    Member:
    #27357
    Messages:
    4,235
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    3rd gen Tacoma
    Chicken lights, chrome and smoke tunes.
    Also it will boil if it gets too hot.
     
  8. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:57 PM
    #8
    Warhorseforever

    Warhorseforever Will The Thrill

    Joined:
    May 3, 2011
    Member:
    #56023
    Messages:
    4,780
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    Sand Lapper
    Vehicle:
    2001 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner SR5
    Kenwood KDC-348U HU Kicker DS65 Front Doors Only 2 Polk Audio MM840 Kenwood KAC 8105D for subs SuperCrewSound.com behind rear seat sub box
    I don't think that, that's to big of a worry for short distances even here in SC.
     
  9. Dec 20, 2011 at 3:59 PM
    #9
    Max-4_Yota

    Max-4_Yota The Welfare Cadilac

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2009
    Member:
    #27357
    Messages:
    4,235
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    3rd gen Tacoma
    Chicken lights, chrome and smoke tunes.
    Just saying
     
  10. Dec 20, 2011 at 4:01 PM
    #10
    Maverick904

    Maverick904 Resident Fishing Expert

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2009
    Member:
    #23084
    Messages:
    4,892
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kameron
    Northeast Florida
    Vehicle:
    08 TRD Rugged Trail 4x4
    3" Procomp Lift, BDF Light Bar, Borla Stainless Cat-Back System, 2 10" Polk MM Subs, LED Interior Lighting, Pioneer Touch Screen, Kicker Speakers up front, Sonys in the back, Grillcraft grill, 20% tint, Weathertechs, Projector Retrofit Headlights. BHLM
    The cooling system is under pressure. More pressure with the same volume allows for higher temperature of a substance, generally.

    Water is actually a better liquid for cooling. you just have freezing issues. and can have rust issues over time.

    Distilled water is a better option because of the impurities that can be found in tap water however. With as short of a use as you are talking you will be fine.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top