Add coolant to radiator or reservoir?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2011
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From: AZ
Add coolant to radiator or reservoir?
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
My thought was that the level would have gone down and I would simply refill the reservoir again...
Thanks for your help
Last edited by bcorey; Feb 10, 2012 at 08:47 PM. Reason: better description
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
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From: NY/NJ
leak
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
My thought was that the level would have gone down and I would simply refill the reservoir again...
Thanks for your help
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 65
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From: AZ
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
Lead Lap
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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?.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
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From: AZ
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.
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
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.
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.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Md
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.
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Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
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[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.
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
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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.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 71
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From: arizona
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
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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!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
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From: AZ
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
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.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ