DIY Coolant Replacement

Performed a drain and fill, with a semi flush on the radiator.

As I acquire more specific tools (better adapter sockets) and more experience, I'll perform a better flush.

Used this guide and a few tools, involving a couple gallons of Distilled water, some empty jugs, funnel, some DIY adapted hoses, and Peak OET Asian Vehicles Red, Pink Antifreeze + Coolant 50/50 ready to use.


Additionally, I noticed my coolant levels in the reservoir container dropping faster than normal. I checked and it seems like a simple and slightly loose hose at the top of the reservoir container. Used some zip ties to close that off. So far, no more drops in the reservoir level now.



On draining the other reservoirs on the sides of the engine blocks, I wished I had the flexible socket adapter to squeeze in there easier and work the valves. Driver side was the most difficult. Passenger side had more space though.
These are located underneath the wheel well, and it's helpful to remove the wheels so that you can work more comfortably.

 

There is already a coolant thread here in the 2nd gen section, somewhere.

Yep, driver side access to the block drain valve is a PIA. Many of us don't access it anymore because very little comes out if you drain the pass side first.

In your third pic, you can see the plug at the bottom of the reservoir. Eventually, it cracks and will slow-leak on you. Next time you do an oil change look up at that plug to make sure there is no leak there. That is how I spotted my leak from it. It was well past 150K.

 

Thanks! Will keep an eye out for that.
But I know there's a leak at the top of the reservoir (where I put zip ties). The other day when cleaning and doing paint correction, we saw and felt wet fluid coming from there, so will need a more tight fit that's more durable than zip ties (it loosens in the heat of the engine I think).

 

Mine leaked there also. Stopped it with a mini hose clamp.

 

There are 2 radiator plugs I need to loosen to drain radiator? I see there is a plate below my radiator ( engine ) that I need to move to even get to the radiator plug.

 

Anyone have the part number for the coolant reservoir? Thanks