Radiator overflow tank coolant very low.
10-18-14, 05:57 AM
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
Radiator overflow tank coolant very low.
Just a heads up for folks that do most of their own basic maintenance on a DIY basis. This morning I checked my radiator coolant level and the coolant level in the radiator overflow tank. I had not checked it in over two years, mostly because the overflow tank is not visible because it is hidden under the air cleaner intake assembly that is on top of the radiator. The fluid in the overflow tank was low enough that it took approx 24 ounces of coolant to refill it to full level. I suggest that because the overflow tank is not visible on the LS430 that folks try to remember to check overflow tank more regularly than every 2-3 years.
Last edited by Jabberwock; 10-18-14 at 08:12 AM.
10-18-14, 01:32 PM
#3
Just a heads up for folks that do most of their own basic maintenance on a DIY basis. This morning I checked my radiator coolant level and the coolant level in the radiator overflow tank. I had not checked it in over two years, mostly because the overflow tank is not visible because it is hidden under the air cleaner intake assembly that is on top of the radiator. The fluid in the overflow tank was low enough that it took approx 24 ounces of coolant to refill it to full level. I suggest that because the overflow tank is not visible on the LS430 that folks try to remember to check overflow tank more regularly than every 2-3 years.
10-18-14, 08:29 PM
#4
I started a thread on this very subject a number of years ago. It seems that the reservoir does lose coolant over some time. If you look at the outside of the reservoir you may notice some white staining which is actually the coolant. A Lexus tech explained to me how the reservoir tank does lose coolant. I add about 6-8 ounces every 2 years of the red coolant and 50% distilled water.
10-20-14, 08:36 AM
#7
Lexus Champion
Thanks for the heads up, as I usually depend on the dealer to check everything when I have the oil changed. Found my coolant tank dry. Will purchase coolant and attachment plugs for the air inlet cover over the radiator that has to be removed to access the coolant tank today.
Despite the tank being dry, the radiator core at the top was exposed. I put a quart of distilled water in it. Regardless, the temperature gage never changed, it always remained at the second mark (horizontal position) where it always runs regardless of driving conditions.
Despite the tank being dry, the radiator core at the top was exposed. I put a quart of distilled water in it. Regardless, the temperature gage never changed, it always remained at the second mark (horizontal position) where it always runs regardless of driving conditions.
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10-21-14, 11:26 AM
#8
Instructor
"In the absence of leaks, antifreeze chemicals such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol may retain their basic properties indefinitely. By contrast, corrosion inhibitors are gradually used up, and must be replenished from time to time. Larger systems (such as HVAC systems) are often monitored by specialist firms which take responsibility for adding corrosion inhibitors and regulating coolant composition. For simplicity, most automotive manufacturers recommend periodic COMPLETE REPLACEMENT of engine coolant, to simultaneously renew corrosion inhibitors and remove accumulated contaminants."
The LS430 manufacturer-specified service interval is complete fluid replacement every 2 years / 24000kms. Like brake fluid, coolant is time-sensitive as well as usage-sensitive, so I change them out per the specified time/distance interval. By doing that, and with a leak-free system, your overflow tank would never run dry.
If you do not do a complete replacement every 2 years, at least do a visual inspection when that interval comes up.
You can edit this URL to put in your year and mileage, then click Full Schedule to see the manufacturer's service intervals - http://consumer.xtime.com/menu6/?&pr...tic&make=LEXUS
The LS430 manufacturer-specified service interval is complete fluid replacement every 2 years / 24000kms. Like brake fluid, coolant is time-sensitive as well as usage-sensitive, so I change them out per the specified time/distance interval. By doing that, and with a leak-free system, your overflow tank would never run dry.
If you do not do a complete replacement every 2 years, at least do a visual inspection when that interval comes up.
You can edit this URL to put in your year and mileage, then click Full Schedule to see the manufacturer's service intervals - http://consumer.xtime.com/menu6/?&pr...tic&make=LEXUS
10-21-14, 12:02 PM
#9
Thanks for the heads up, as I usually depend on the dealer to check everything when I have the oil changed. Found my coolant tank dry. Will purchase coolant and attachment plugs for the air inlet cover over the radiator that has to be removed to access the coolant tank today.
Despite the tank being dry, the radiator core at the top was exposed. I put a quart of distilled water in it. Regardless, the temperature gage never changed, it always remained at the second mark (horizontal position) where it always runs regardless of driving conditions.
Despite the tank being dry, the radiator core at the top was exposed. I put a quart of distilled water in it. Regardless, the temperature gage never changed, it always remained at the second mark (horizontal position) where it always runs regardless of driving conditions.
10-21-14, 12:09 PM
#10
Great link van dam.
Here is it for the 04 - 06. Outside the US maintenance schedule. Same in Europe and Asia. Notice how the transmission service is at 60,000 miles or 96,000 km. Lifetime fluid my ***...
http://consumer.xtime.com/menu6/?&pr...tic&make=LEXUS
Here is it for the 04 - 06. Outside the US maintenance schedule. Same in Europe and Asia. Notice how the transmission service is at 60,000 miles or 96,000 km. Lifetime fluid my ***...
http://consumer.xtime.com/menu6/?&pr...tic&make=LEXUS
10-21-14, 02:14 PM
#11
Intermediate
I bought my 02 a couple months ago from a reputable Lexus dealer and guess what....some idiot stuffed a rag in the overflow tank and left the lid off to the side. It was completely dry. Morons. Added Toyota pink coolant to the full mark. Radiator was luckily full. Definitely an easy check.
10-21-14, 03:35 PM
#12
There are specifications according to the year of the LS430 as to using the pink or red coolant (ethylene glycol based as opposed to alcohol based). My 2001 had the Red when I purchased the car and that is what I have been using. The 2 should not be mixed.
Last edited by Bocatrip; 10-21-14 at 03:43 PM.
10-21-14, 03:59 PM
#13
Intermediate
Yeah what was in the radiator was more pink than red and the guy at the dealer parts counter said the pink can be added to any toyota coolant. Whether that is true or not, I'm not sure.
