Coolant service done

Changed my coolant today. It took about two hours, most of which was spent waiting for it to drain. I opened the radiator drain and the passenger-side block drain. About 4.25 inches of coolant in the five-gallon bucket is from the radiator drain. Then another four inches (8.25 inches pictured) was from the passenger-side block drain. Took just under 3 gallons to fill the radiator and the reservoir tank.

 

Did you start draining the block drain after the radiator was done or at the same time?

 

I recently did it also. I just didn't do the block. I didn't want to deal with the block drains. Just the radiator took about 1 1/2 gallons. Then drove it around and drained another 1/2 gallons and refilled. Done.

 

I might do that too. I realized my overflow tank is low. I have 86k miles so rather than just topping off, I’ll drain and fill. I have 3 gallons so may do two of them as well. Pending how much I use on the first fill.
Being an early change, I’m not worried about getting every drop.

 

After

 

I was surprised how much more I got from the block after doing the radiator.

 

Damn, i knew i should've done this before putting on my RCI skids. Now it's all covered up

 

Nothing a couple feet of drain hose won't fix.

 

What year and miles on ur truck Shawn? U use Toyota coolant?

 

2020 with just under 75k
Yes, Toyota 50/50 and a new TRD radiator cap. Just because it looks cool.

 

So do you just drain from drivers side of bottom of radiator. Then refill radiator to top. Fill overflow bottle back up to full then drive it/idle it to get air out then top op as needed? Or am I missing something?

 

Yup, pretty much that simple. Check it for the next couple days just to be sure.

 

There are block drains on each side of the engine…

 

It is the easiest way but not the most complete because it leaves old fluid in the engine block.

 

Yeah, for me it didn't make a big difference. I did it at 40k because of my supercharger install. I figure if I do it again at 80k, it's still good because of the low milage. Fluids are cheap is the way I see it.

 

Right. But let's just say i do it at 100k just drain and refilled the radiator. Then evey 30k after that I do the same thing. I would think I would be good. Or at least alot better than doing nothing.

So there's no bleeding the air out I have to worry about? Just drain radiator and then refill. Check it and top off as needed? I am scared their will be a big air bubble letting part of the engine over heat.

 

We can agree changing some of the fluid is better than changing none - but I feel better getting out as much as possible. That said, I do not blow out the heater core, hoses, etc.

After draining, I refill the start with the cap off. Top off as needed until it’s at operating temperature than cap it while full. Monitor to overflow to make sure it is close to the full line when hot and not below min when cold.

 

No big air bubbles to worry about. No bleeding/burping to speak of.

 

This was or is an issue on the LS engines with the cross over pipe, I have owned a few. Like I said, I did the radiator because of the supercharger install. That was at 40k. Now if I do it at 80k again, I am pretty sure I am covered. I understand your concern about air pockets, but shouldn't be an issue. If it worries you that much then just do the radiator and do it again at 5 or 10k. Antifreeze is cheap.

 

Mind sharing info on the cap? Planning on doing the same with first fluid swap.

 

https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/radiator-cap-trd-ptr040000003
https://www.oemgenuineparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-trd-radiator-cap-ptr040000003

 

You have two OEM options.

 

I'm getting ready to do some maintenance on my '18 and coolant service is on the list. Bout to order from Fred Anderson at $10 off each gallon. Would you all say I'd be okay with just buying the 3 gallons for this job?

 

$30 for a sticker. Makes total sense. LOL

 

Yes 3 did mine.

 

100%

 

TRD adds 30HP and 15MPG

 

I can feel it.

 

That’s what she said

 

The feeling is your wallet getting lighter.