100k mi radiator drain and fill (V6 engine).

This was about the easiest fluid change I've done so far (and I've done all of them). I used this kit, which made the whole process easy:

$23 EPAuto Spill Proof Radiator Coolant Filling Funnel Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I40ZQWE?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


I drained only the radiator and not the engine block. I have an RCI skid plate but the drain valve is to the right of the plate, so I didn't have to remove it. Given the process was so easy I'll probably do it again at 125K mi. The old fluid was a dirty orange whereas the new stuff is the Toyota 50/50 pre-mixed pink stuff. Use the blue fittings in this kit. Draining and filling the radiator took about 15 minutes until the radiator was full. Then you turn on the truck and let it warm up so the thermostat opens and the fluid starts circulating through the engine and the heater core. While this is going on you can squeeze and release both the radiator's inlet and outlet hoses and you'll see lots of bubbles come up through the clear funnel. As the truck is warming up I rev'd it up to 2-3K and that helped in moving the fluid through the engine, heater core and radiator. I also turned on the heater to move fluid through the core. When you no longer see any bubbles the system should be full. I drained about 1 gallon from the radiator and 1 gallon of the new fluid was all that was required for the fill. I had enough of the new stuff to fill the reservoir. I'll drive it for a few days and check and top off, if needed.

All in all, very easy.

 

Yeah I just did mine few weeks ago

 

Did mine the same way at 50K. Got a gallon out also. Mine was still pink, but I wanted to prevent it from coming acidic.

 

Thank you OP for the step by step write up ! Very nice write up .

 

What did you do with the old fluid ?

 

Completely worthless. If you didn't drain and flush Complete system, the new fluid is contaminated with the old fluid that was left in there. Goes for the same when people do transmission that way.

 

Thanks for the write up! I’m approaching 100k and will be doing this method!

 

The solution to pollution is dilution.

 

I would encourage you to find a retailer that accepts old coolant for recycling/proper disposal. I know AutoZone accepts it as well as NAPA. Or you might check with your county for other possible locations.

 

My TOYOTA truck came with a lifetime coolant and being that the average lifetime for a male in the US is 74+, I may have a ways to go before replacement.

That, and as my bad luck would have it, I’ve found I’ll get a leak shortly after. Usually the water pump.
So now I just wait till some other (non-lifetime) component like a hose or radiator craps out and I plan on doing it then.

On my last long term TOYOTA, (4R) I put some 200k miles and 13yrs of daily service and had no issues. Ran like new, so there’s that.

Carry-on.

I'll just be waiting...

 

my local auto zones and napa's only accept oil.

 

Interesting. Here in Minneapolis they accept coolant.