Hi, Is there a DIY for Replacing Engine Coolant? I searched the forum and checked the page where all the DIYs are located and I couldnt find a DIY for it.

I am very interested in learning the proper way of replacing engine coolant. A DIY with pictures and instructions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Open pepcock, drain coolant, flush system with water, drain water, replace coolant with the good stuff, Toyo Red

 

the pepcock is slow and get stuck sometimes i would just remove the bottom hose and drain into a bucket. it much quicker too

 

Definately do not flush it with regular tap water since it contains alot of mineral which can cause deposit. What I would do is the following:

1.) Open the pepcock on the lower left hand(Driver) side of the radiator and drain it completely and replace the pepcock.
2.) Go to parts store and get yourself a bottle of Prestone Radiator flush and pour it into the radiator.
3.) Get a few gallons (6 or 7) of DISTILLED WATER and pour it into your radiator while the car is running with the heater turned high and fully blasted.
4.) Drive around for a day or two
5.) Drain the radiator again and flush it out with a gallon of distilled water.
6.) Now, get a gallon of Toyota Red antifreeze and first pour a gallon of distilled water into your radiator, then pour half a gallon of the toyota antifreeze in the car while the engine is running and heater is on full blast.
7.) Fill the rest of the radiator with distilled water until it overflows.
8.) Leave the radiator cap off the radiator and engine running for another 10-15 mins. with heater on so that any potential air pockets can evacuate.
9.) Tighten the radiator cap and you're good to go.

 

One should generally not drain the radiator and THEN go to the parts store. Things may explode.

 

if you guys dont want to spend the money on distilled water just boil some water or use hot hot hot water from your hot water heater, boiled water is safe

 

The theory behind using distilled water is not the bacteria, it's the elements in it other than hydrogen and oxygen. Boiled water does not remove sodium, fluoride, Lead, etc... Boiling it won't remove any element that has a boiling point higher than water (about 212 degrees F)

 

if its good enough for my body it sure as hell is good enough for my machine

 

your body needs minerals. Your car doesn't. Keep believing this way and you'll find yourself with a big bill when mineral deposits build up in the water jackets of your engine.