coolant exchange cost?

How much should I expect to pay for a coolant exchange? Not just drain the radiator, but a full exchange.

 

As far as I know no shops really do a flush with a flush machine anymore - the type that hooks up inline at the radiator hose and you exchange with the engine running.. but i could be wrong

I usually just drain the radiator and block and refill it. If your shop doesn't want to touch block drains find a better shop

Flushes are kinda a throwback to older cooling systems that had sludge problems. Like Chevy and their dexcool problem back in the 90s and 2000s..

 

It’s a very easy diy job. 2 jugs of coolant, a 2ft piece of clear rubber hose, and I believe it’s a 10mm for the block drain bolt is all you need. $50-60 and an hour of your time will handle it

Look up Tyler’s (“Team oil Drop”) video on YouTube, he’s got a good video of the job.

Flush isn’t needed, you’ll get 90% of it out doing the DIY method.

 

Yes watched that video recently, you also need a radiator funnel and the plug for it

 

Prices are all over, location is a large factor, Hawaii is going to be much much higher than rural America. Try the regional sub forum for actual price comparisons.

 

Find someone in your area and reach out for an exact price.

 

Toyota made changing the coolant very easy.

I perfer to use Toyota branded coolant, the dealer sells it for a reasonable cost. It takes 2 gallons to do a full service.


Get some 5/16" ID hose, it fits the radiator drain too. If you leave the radiator cap on when you drain the radiator (before draining the block) it will siphon the fluid out of the recovery bottle too.



After you have got all you can from the radiator, draining the block is easy, now remove the radiator cap.
Remove the passenger wheel, pop the top plastic clip out and gently fold the splash shield down.



And find this handy block drain.



A long extension and a 10MM socket.



The coolant won't gush out, just get it draining and go do something else for a while.

Fill it up nice and slow, keep squeezing the top radiator hose to work the air out.

Double check/top up the level in the recovery bottle after a few days.