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Engine coolant change colors

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jerimiahcontreras, Sep 17, 2016.

  1. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:10 AM
    #1
    jerimiahcontreras

    jerimiahcontreras [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok here's my problem, I noticed I was dry on engine coolant so I filled it up to the fill line, I drive about 20 miles and when I got home to check it it was dry again so I filled it up again drove 30 miles and it was fine but this time the Brits green coolant turned in to a greenish brownish color, is this normal
     
  2. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:14 AM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    No.

    Well, yes. On a dirty system that is overdue for cleaning.
     
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  3. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:17 AM
    #3
    landphil

    landphil Fish are FOOD, not friends!

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    You added green to the OEM super long life pink coolant? Yeah, you'll have weird colors, and loose the corrosion protection from mixing coolant types.
     
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  4. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:25 AM
    #4
    jerimiahcontreras

    jerimiahcontreras [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No it wasn't the pink, it was completely dry before adding the bes green coolant
     
  5. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:27 AM
    #5
    Alexely999

    Alexely999 Well-Known Member

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    The overflow may have been empty but I bet the radiator still had pink coolant in it.
     
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  6. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:43 AM
    #6
    Lester Lugnut

    Lester Lugnut Well-Known Member

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    If it were my truck, I would drain the radiator, overflow tank, and pull both engine block drain plugs - one on each side of the engine. Do a search on coolant flush - there's a good write-up on it. You might even think about flushing the heater core. Lots of how-to's for that on youtube.

    Get that green stuff out of there and refill with this stuff. It's available at a lot of mass market auto parts places. Buy the RED label jug. The BLUE label is for Honda's.

    Zerex Asian Formula Coolant.png
     
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  7. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:49 AM
    #7
    jerimiahcontreras

    jerimiahcontreras [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Would draining the radiator be something I can do myself? Or would I have to take it to a shop
     
  8. Sep 17, 2016 at 9:53 AM
    #8
    Lester Lugnut

    Lester Lugnut Well-Known Member

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    You can do pretty much everything I outlined with the following factory service manual doc. You have a 1GR-FE engine. Here's the doc:

    http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/files/05FSM/repair.html

    If you only drain radiator, you will still have the old coolant in the overflow tank, engine block; heater core.

    Kinda like taking a shower and then jumpin' back into the oily clothes you were wearing before the shower.

    If you decide on hiring a shop - go to a well known independent garage and not a dealership. Make sure they use the right coolant for your vehicle.
     
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  9. Sep 17, 2016 at 4:19 PM
    #9
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    Lester nailed it.
     

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