bcorey

I checked my fluids last night and realized that my coolant reservoir was empty - I then checked my radiator and could not see any fluid - I purchased the Red coolant (01-03) and mixed 50/50 with distilled water then proceeded to fill the reservoir to the fill line (engine was cold). I then drove for about 15 minutes, came home and checked the levels and it was still right at the full line - shouldn't it be lower or should I have added coolant mixture to the radiator as well - if so, how much do I add to the radiator?

My thought was that the level would have gone down and I would simply refill the reservoir again...

Thanks for your help

AlexusAnja

If you were dry in both places, then you have a leak somewhere. To full, you have to fill the radiator up to the opening, then fill the reservoir. The lowering of fluid in the radiator creates suction of fluid from the reservoir. If your radiator was dry, then there is no suctioning effect so no fluid in radiator. Hopefully nothing got overheated.

bcorey

Thanks for the reply - I live in AZ and I'm guessing that due to the heat and me not checking for quite some time, it's low in both places (hopefully). I'm not sure why but I completely forgot to check the coolant level until just the other day. Again, thanks for the reply

jayclapp

I also live in Arizona, but never a coolant problem. My guess is that you definitely have a leak somewhere. Suggest you have it checked out before doing much driving.

Bocatrip

I have my 01 LS430 for 2 years and have put on about 7-8,000 miles. I have noticed the coolant level for the first time is about 2-3 inches under the full line of the reservoir. I have white stains all around the reservoir only and nothing ever leaks to the floor pan or anywhere else. I have asked around for the last year about the staining on the reservoir and have been told it is normal for our cars and it is caused by the red coolant that is used. I had the car pressurized numerous times with no signs of leakage. It will probably require just of few ounces to top it up again and was wondering if anyone else notices the staining on their reservoirs Can I get the coolant at Toyota and what type is it called?.

jayclapp

I must admit that I have never seen the coolant reservoir on my car, as it is beneath the plastic cover. I have never bothered to even look at it as I depend on my dealer to check all fluids when the oil is changed.

I did just check my 04 manual and it says that the coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the "FULL" and "LOW" lines on the reservoir. If the level is low, add the coolant and bring the level up to the "FULL" line.

Bocatrip

There are 2 plastic screw clips, one on each end and the the plastic cover comes right off. However, you can see the reservoir and it's level without removing the cover by looking on top and behind the cover.

GLIDESUL

Same stains here. I went to lexus dealer brought some red coolant and mix with water drained radiator then fill it up, I check it weekly to make sure its topped off. (Off topic) Next is trans fluid in pan only and reseal it up. I have a 02 and they sold me a sealant insteed of a gasket for the tranny pan, I thought they had gasket but I was wrong.

Bocatrip

[QUOTE=GLIDESUL;7131629]Same stains here. I went to lexus dealer brought some red coolant and mix with water drained radiator then fill it up, I check it weekly to make sure its topped off.

Thanks Glidesul! I knew I was not alone with the reservoir staining. I'm now off to Toyota to pick up some red coolant. Thanks again.

Bocatrip

Picked up some red coolant and added to my reservoir after mixing with distilled water. It only took about 10 ounces after 2 years of usage. The staining on the outside of the reservoir does cause some coolant loss over time so it's definitely a good idea for owners who do alot of miles to check their coolant level regularly.

jay33

I have a 2002 with the same dry coolant stains on resevoir container. i just keep an eye on it and top off resevoir when necessary. I use the Toyota pre-diluted 50-50 pink coolant. It's alot easier than buying the red coolant and diluting it yourself.

Bocatrip

My 01 came with red coolant when new and has it now. My Lexus tech has advised me to keep the coolant consistant and not to mix the red and pink. I just add a small amount of the red to a cup and mix with distilled water. It's the first time I needed to top up in 2 years. That stuff is expensive at $22 a gallon!

jayclapp

Okay, you guys shamed me into actually looking at my reservoir. I even took the plastic shourd off so I could see better and add fluid. My reservoir was empty, but radiator had fluid. No visible evidence of any leak at top of reservoir. Added a couple of cups of water and it has remained at that level after driving for a couple of days.

Bocatrip

Did you have any evidence of staining on the sides of the reservoir? Did you use distilled water when adding?

jayclapp

No evidence of staining. And yes, I just used distilled water. Not that concerned as I live in the desert where it rarely freezes.