Anyone use a vacuum refill kit? Which kit do you have?

 

Mine is a Mastercool I bought from Amazon about 10 years ago. On some cars they really make a difference. The Car Care Nut on youtube did a video on bleeding the coolant system in an ES350 that is really helpful without using vacuum. I like using the vacuum though because it will quickly show a leak if a clamp or something isnt tightened without spilling coolant all over the floor. The main thing I always look for is good heat after filling the coolant system. The heater core usually sits the highest in a vehicle and if there is no heat, than the heater core doesnt have coolant flowing through in it.


Jsst Checked...I have the Mightyvac MV4535

 

The Mityvac is pricey! Toyota removed the bleed valve on the 2GR-FKS which makes bleeding more difficult even with the large fill funnel. Vacuum refill is the way to go.

 

In that video, the Car Care Nut explicitly states the procedure he's demonstrating does NOT apply to the 2GR-FKS engine used in the ES350 because, as he states starting at the 1:42 time mark, Toyota removed the bleeder from that engine model.

For reference, the lexusguide.net Lexus ES (XZ10) Service Manual's Maintenance - 2gr-fks Coolant web page has the coolant replacement procedures for the ES350's 2GR-FKS engine. Something that may not be obvious to DIYers is that there's a cylinder block drain **** plug that needs to be loosened before draining the ES350's coolant.

 

I always opened block drain on my 99 Avalon because it was readily accessible. I can not see drain on my 2020 ES from top…maybe I will see it from below. Since I am doing a d/f at 5 years and 18k miles, not going to worry about the block drain.

 

Ok, the block drain is easy to see and access from underneath. You need 5/16” ID tubing for the radiator drain to prevent a big mess. The drain is horizontal.

Moderator, please change thread title to “Replace Coolant on 2GR-FKS V6”

 

Just used my Lisle funnel because vacuum kit came with different style air quick disconnect. Drained about 6 qts total from radiator and block. No problem burping system. Added coolant slowly and squeezed upper hose a few times. Temp gage never went above normal.

I replaced coolant on my 99 Avalon 9-10 times and never had an issue. This 2GR-FKS is just as easy. In my opinion, vacuum kit more trouble than it is worth.