radiator flush...

[hikerguy]

A mechanic I've used in the past (and trust) wants to charge $105 for a drain and fill (no flush). I'd like to do this myself, as that seems quite excessive given the little work that's involved (especially since they're not even flushing out the system).

I don't have a safe place to dispose of the used radiator fluid, so can anyone recommend a way I can do this myself without having to let the antifreeze go all over the ground (I live in a neighborhood with dogs and cats and don't want to take a chance on them drinking it and dying).

Thanks,

Andy

[Will91]

If you care about the environment and animals (which it seems you do), you have to collect all the old coolant. I let the coolant drain into my large oil pan and then put it in a used orange juice jug (nice and sturdy) - label the jug with a Sharpie that it contains used coolant. You will only get about a gallon of used coolant that drains out.

Check and see if your community has a free household hazardous waste day - usually communities do this once or twice a year and collect old paint, batteries, coolant, etc. for free. Give your local health department or EPA office a call (or try and Google it). It is unfortunate auto parts stores do not accept coolant (like they do for used oil).

Changing your coolant is sort of fun and rewarding job and probably one that is not done often enough. Use distilled water. I prefer the Toyota OEM red coolant - especially if this is what you already have in there already and aren't going to do a whole system flush. Check my thread about burping when done. Your car will thank you!

[Bitter]

$105 for the whole job sounds about right, no its not hard to do but it does take time to do it right and thats what you're paying for, his time. if you're going to drain the coolant though i would suggest also changing the hoses and thermostat as well since they're probably pretty old by now.

[hikerguy]

Will91, thanks for the advice. I'll have to check into hazardous waste disposal around here if I go that route.

Bitter, thanks for reminding me about the thermostat. I planned on doing the hoses, but hadn't thought about the thermostat. Good idea!

One other question I have related to this is "is it really necessary to flush the system, or does a drain & fill do the job"?

Andy

[Will91]

My opinion is that if the radiator fluid has been changed fairly regularly (every couple of years, especially if it is the Toyota red long life fluid), a flush is not necessary. Get on a regular schedule of drain and refill and you will be fine. That was good advice about the radiator hoses and thermostat. I actually had to replace my entire radiator a few weeks ago and did the hoses (thermostat was done recently).

By the way, many folks like to add the fluid to the radiator, and then an equal amount of water (use distilled). I like to make a 50/50 mix in a bucket. You can always put what you don't use in your distilled water bottle to future use. Use a funnel in the radiator neck and slowly add the fluid so as not to entrain a large air pocket. Another thing I also like to do is to remove the reservoir, empty it, rinse it out with distilled water, and fill with the 50/50. There is usually some sediment in the reservoir. My reservoir was under the battery - but no big deal to get to it and gives you the opportunity to give the battery and battery tray a good cleaning. Good luck.