Coolant Drain
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: california
Coolant Drain
Since a flush sounds a bit more complicated, I just want to start doing annual drain and refills. I couldn't find a DIY. Is it anything more than unscrewing the plug and removing the radiator cap and then then refilling? If so, does anyone have a picture of the location of the drain plug?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Austin, TX
There was something posted by Lexmex.
There is the standard bottom of the radiator drain-bob (plastic) winged. I also drain the block from the nipple next to the oil filter. There is one more on the engine block, but I was unable to locate it.
Salim
There is the standard bottom of the radiator drain-bob (plastic) winged. I also drain the block from the nipple next to the oil filter. There is one more on the engine block, but I was unable to locate it.
Salim
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,567
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From: NJ
if i recall, the drain plug is at the lower corner of the driver side of the radiator. You can push on a length of 3/8" hose on the nipple to direct the coolant to a drain bucket.
I opted not to open the engine block plugs, but to fill the system with distilled water, get it up to temp, and drain again. Getting the engine up to temperature ensures the thermostat is open and can allow majority of the coolant/water to drain.
IIRC, Toyota red is good for 30,000 miles/2 years and Pink 100k miles/5 years. Double check the protection level durations, there is no need for annual draining and refills unless you're doing it for your own peace of mind.
If you don't have bottles of Toyota Red/Pink available..here's an excerpt from a post i made on another thread.
"Zerex Asian formula is an acceptable safe alternative to Toyota Pink. I know a few long time Toyota techs that use it at their work when shipments are late and use it with their side work. It is compatible with Toyota pink and red for topping off and can be ordered/picked up at any NAPA.
Other notable HOAT coolants that meet the protection levels of Toyota red/pink
Pentofrost A1 and A4
Beck/Arnley Red concentrate or Pink pre-mix
Recochem's "OEM Premium" Red concentrate or Pink pre-mix
Aisin Pink (50/50 pre-mix) "
I opted not to open the engine block plugs, but to fill the system with distilled water, get it up to temp, and drain again. Getting the engine up to temperature ensures the thermostat is open and can allow majority of the coolant/water to drain.
IIRC, Toyota red is good for 30,000 miles/2 years and Pink 100k miles/5 years. Double check the protection level durations, there is no need for annual draining and refills unless you're doing it for your own peace of mind.
If you don't have bottles of Toyota Red/Pink available..here's an excerpt from a post i made on another thread.
"Zerex Asian formula is an acceptable safe alternative to Toyota Pink. I know a few long time Toyota techs that use it at their work when shipments are late and use it with their side work. It is compatible with Toyota pink and red for topping off and can be ordered/picked up at any NAPA.
Other notable HOAT coolants that meet the protection levels of Toyota red/pink
Pentofrost A1 and A4
Beck/Arnley Red concentrate or Pink pre-mix
Recochem's "OEM Premium" Red concentrate or Pink pre-mix
Aisin Pink (50/50 pre-mix) "
Last edited by fastnoypi; Nov 23, 2015 at 04:02 PM. Reason: driver's side per lexmex photos
CL Community Team
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