Radiator Change on Camry

[jsssm]

Hi,

I want to attempt to change my radiator fluid on my 2001 Camry, but am unsure of where the plug is under the car. I believe I found one bolt but i cant visually see it because of a metal plate. Can someone tell me where the radiator plug is? Also I think I read online somewhere that I will need a 10mm hex socket to take out the bolt, is this true? Also, any other suggestions you have for a first time radiator fluid changes would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Sia

[Kep]

Online manual Page EG1-241 shows radiator drain plug. While in the engine section do a .pdf search for radiator and you will find everything you ever wanted to know. I always thought that it was a hollow butterfly nut that you turned by hand.

If you want to do a thorough job splice in a flush kit and use something like Prestone to flush out the system. Then add in the required amount of antifreeze and top it off with water to get the correct 50/50 mix.

Kep

[jsssm]

Originally Posted by Kep

Online manual Page EG1-241 shows radiator drain plug. While in the engine section do a .pdf search for radiator and you will find everything you ever wanted to know. I always thought that it was a hollow butterfly nut that you turned by hand.

If you want to do a thorough job splice in a flush kit and use something like Prestone to flush out the system. Then add in the required amount of antifreeze and top it off with water to get the correct 50/50 mix.

Kep

Thanks so much for your reply! I finally managed to figure it out. It was a drain plug that I could easily unplug with my hands from the top of the hood (can't easily see it though!). And in fact, I did use Preston flush liquid to do a flush and followed the directions on the bottle. It took me a while since it requires you to drain, add flush, drain, add water, drain, add coolant mixture. Plus I did it all at night time since I wanted it done before my drive to LA today.

My co-worker was saying he flushes his radiator with a simple hose. Does this actually work? I figure the Preston flush will actually do a better job.

[Kep]

The Prestone has a chemical that helps to remove deposits and the like. If you change your coolant on schedule it is probably not necessary. You can use the same fitting to just run regular water through the engine to get out all of the old coolant and then add new.

Kep