What is "cooling system service"?

[lmacmil]

My dealers charges $60 for this. Sounds like all they do is drain the radiator and refill with new anti-freeze. I recall when it used to mean drain the radiator, refill with clean water, run the engine, flush, and then refill with new anti-freeze. If all they do is drain the radiator and refill, I guess I can buy the anti-freeze and do it myself and save about $45. Or is there more to it than the service manager described?

[johnfrisco]

Originally Posted by lmacmil

My dealers charges $60 for this. Sounds like all they do is drain the radiator and refill with new anti-freeze. I recall when it used to mean drain the radiator, refill with clean water, run the engine, flush, and then refill with new anti-freeze. If all they do is drain the radiator and refill, I guess I can buy the anti-freeze and do it myself and save about $45. Or is there more to it than the service manager described?

Yeah they used to drain and fill it with distilled water and run it through the engine, but today most just drain the anti-freeze and fill with new coolant.

[gator1939]

If I had a question about what all is done , I think I would ask the Service Manager for a detailed description of the process rather than guess at what you think he might have meant.

gator1939

[z27ls3]

it means different things at different locations.
some will drain the radiator & top up with coolant laying around the shop.
other dealers will offer the wallet flush. you just have to ask.

i like the yearly drain and fill I do myself, never had a problem and never cost more than 1 gal oe toyota coolant.

[lmacmil]

Originally Posted by z27ls3

i like the yearly drain and fill I do myself, never had a problem and never cost more than 1 gal oe toyota coolant.

I think that's a good approach. I think I'll do it too.

[arabianobsession]

Just make sure you know where to drain it from!

[BlackCamSe]

most placess hook the car up to a collant exchange machine.

[HotRod53]

Keep in mind that Toyota pink antifreeze is now about $24 a gallon, this contributes to the high price of the job.