Radiator Fluid

I’m going to replace the radiator in my Tacoma in the next couple of days and was wondering what type of fluid I should fill it with.

 

I use Prestone full strength. Then add plain water. You migh want to change the thermostat & block temp. sender.
Check the seal on the radiator cap too.

 

What does the manual say?

If you search, this topic has been discussed ad nausium.

Some will tell you go to the dealer and buy their stuff. Others will tell you go to Auto Zone and buy the 50/50 pre-mix. Some will even post 40 minute videos of a dude with coolant in a tumbler glass as if he's going to drink it.

If you have an auto transmission, you'll need to top off your trans fluid too, which in of itself opens you up to an entirely new discussion.

The safest, but not always least expensive option is to just go with what your manual says.

 

Thanks for the info. Mix the water and fluid like it suggest on the bottle or do try something differently?

 

I would just get the Toyota pink stuff if it were me, your local parts dept. should sell it by the jug.

Probably more expensive than what you find in an auto parts store but it's lasted a long time for me

 

You can buy the pink stuff at autozone too. Just won’t have a Toyota label slapped on it

 

I’m out of town at the moment but I will check it when I get home tonight. Thanks

 

Follow instructions on bottle. Typically, after installing the radiator, connect hoses without hose clamps. Fill with water. Run the engine to normal temp with cap off & heater valve on.
Pull off the lower hose and drain water.
Repeat flush if dirty.
Siphon out overflow coolant tank & flush with a hose.
Reconnect hoses & clamps.
Fill overflow halfway to cold with new antifreeze.
Add water to bring it up to full cold mark.
Fill radiator with remaining Anti Freeze.
Then add water till radiator is full.
Leave radiator cap off.
Start vehicle and run till normal temp. is reached. The level might drop slightly as the thermostat opens. Just add more water.
When the temp. is normal put the cap on and test drive. Try the heat too.
Let truck cool overnight. The coolant tank and radiator should have self adjusted.
Add more water if needed.
Done!

 

Toyota antfreeze is fine too.

 

Thanks again for the advice! I will definitely do this after installing the radiator.

 

We can use tequila in Texas. If it leaks you can smell it.

 

This might be a little off topic but do you guys know anything about radiator sizes? From what I’ve found they sell an 18” one and a 22 5/8” one. I’m pretty sure my v6 requires a 22 5/8” radiator but I’m not sure enough to buy it online yet.
Note: the measurement I’m talking about is distance between tanks

 

22 5/8" (square looking one) is the one to get for your V6 Prerunner.

There are 3 different engines for Tacoma's and 2 different frame/suspension layouts; 2.4, 2.7, and 3.4

 

So, here's a little description from lowrangeoffroad about radiators: This is in their description for a radiator for a solid axle conversion, but it should help:

So, the 3.4L with the auto transmission is the biggest one, the 22.5".

You could get the 21" one, but you would also need to install an external trans cooler. The 21" is nice because it doesn't have as low which makes it easier to fit some aftermarket (or custom) skid plates.

 

Good to know. Thanks guys

 

First of all, I'll say this I am OCD. I will only use Toyota antifreeze either premixed 50/50 or full strength mixed with distilled water only.

 

You have to use a fill type system like this because the heater core lines are higher than the radiator cap.

So needs to be burped to get all the air out or it will over heat
And remember to install the thermostat jigger valve at 6 o’clock