Coolant Question

I went to change my air filter today and noticed my overflow tank was below the low line. I then checked my radiator and coolant was at the top as it should. I assume I don’t need to add coolant to expansion tank? Engine is cold and not been run today.

 

Technically, sure. You're low. That's going to take literally 1/2 a turkey baster to fill back to level and you could probably stop at a dealership and ask them to top it off with an already open gallon for about 10 cents of product. Parts guy might be your best chance. If you're near MA, I'm happy to meet you somewhere. I just opened a gallon about a 1.5 months ago and it's going to age out before I can use it.

 

Gald I asked, I will go buy the correct fluid and add some.

 

It’s been my experience with several vehicles with “Long Life Coolant” that there is a small amount of coolant that seems to evaporate over the span of a few years. Usually no more then 1/2 cup but still noticeable over 18 - 24 months.

 

Check it hot?

 

I will check it hot. Didn’t drive the truck today. Where should the level be hot?

 

This. The overflow is open to the atmosphere and I typically have to top off every 2-3 years. Oil test confirms no contamination and temp confirms it holds pressure.

 

Please don't open the radiator cap when engine is hot.

The overflow reservoir can be opened hot with no risk of scalding from hot coolant.

 

Yeah not going to open the radator cap when hot. Just don't konw where the level should be in the expansion tank when hot.

 

There is a lower line for cold full and a higher line for hot fill.

 

Yea I ment check the overflow hot then add to the hot line. When engine is att full temp. Add only to the over flow tank.

Maybe get a flash light when truck is cold and find the cold and hot lines on the overflow tank. Mark them with a sharpie if needed

 

this. I agree.

kinda like the angel's share when aging whiskey.

 

If the loss is due to evaporation could you just add distilled water?

 

I add the 50/50 mix.

to keep the coolant Gods at bay.


I check more often than the avg bear...as my s/c intercooler loses about an ounce a month. I use the same cooly fluid.

 

The truck hot.

 

Get some Toyota long life coolant or whatever ever it's called and when it hot fill it to the full line or just slightly above. The if you check it cold it will be right between the two marks.

 

How many miles? Now might just be a good time to do a spill and fill.

 

72,700

 

I’d dump it all and start fresh. Drain the rad, and there are 10mm brass drains on each side of the block accessible through the wheel wells

 

Can I just drain the rad and then fill it back up and as the air burps out keep topping it off? Like say every 50k? Our is there a procedure I need to do?

 

I’m sure there are tons of videos - I didn’t bother blowing out the heater core. This is what I did -

drain rad completely
Pull lower rad hose
Drain block from both sides - use a series of extensions and a 10mm to open drain - don’t break it - it’s fragile.
Close drains
Plug rad
Reconnect rad hose
Fill rad to top and leave cap off
Start truck
Continue to top off rad until completely full as engine warms and t-stat opens. It should take about a gallon more than its initial fill point.
Fill overflow half way.
Drive around the block. Check the overflow. Top off as needed.

normal for some to come out the overflow pipe as you find the correct level.


**Never open a radiator that is under pressure / above 175.

 

Couple details worth mentioning -
When filling the system, have the heat full blast to avoid any air pockets in the heater lines. Cycle heat on and off during test drive.

when doing the test drive - drive it like you stole it to help purge the system with high RPM pressures.