coolant replacement

[montrolla]

hi there,
i need to replace the coolant on my 2003 corolla. is there any step-by-step of how this is done? thanks

[montrolla]

nothing ahh ??? weird

[toyomoho]

Find the coolant drain plugs/valves for the radiator and engine block. Determine if the engine coolant system needs bleeding after replacing the coolant.

Drain the coolant from radiator, engine and coolant overflow tank. Caution, the coolant is toxic to people and animals so dispose of properly.

Remove the thermostat, disconnect the radiator top hose. Back flush the engine and radiator with water from a water hose until it come out clean. Drain the system again. Clean the overflow tank of any built up debris. Inspect the inside of the hoses for damage, signs of cracking, etc plus thermostat. Reinstall the thermostat in the exact same position as when removed. There may be an air bleed hole on its housing that needs to positioned properly. If you need to replace the gaskets for the housing, get them before doing the job. Or keep some type of gasket seal on hand. Reconnect all hoses, etc.

Fill the coolant system and overflow tank (to correct level at cold) with the proper mix of coolant and water, usually 50/50. To prevent corrosion use distilled water.

Start engine. As it warms up add more coolant mix as required. Once full, replace cap. Drive car normally. After parking car, let cool then check coolant levels again in radiator an overflow tank.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

also if you wanna use the regular green coolant flush out the old toyota red coolant extra good as the toyota red stuff supposedly reacts if mixed with the green stuff ive heard even the "safe for all makes and brands stuff" can potentially be a problem if mixed with the red

[caddymac]

Is Toyota coolant Dex-cool? I have some of that stuff left over from my GM days.

[toyomoho]

Dex-Cool may have a few problems.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...m_dexcool.html

[caddymac]

Great, except that didn't answer my question at all.

[blb]

Toyota Red Coolant is NOT the same as Dex-Cool.

[caddymac]

Good to know. Looks like I'll be giving my sis these gallon jugs of Death-Cool. Thanks!

[diver9000]

Any maintenance manual can tell you step by step how to change your fluid. Do yourself a favor and when you dispose of your old coolant, put it in a container and dump it at the local garage. Most of them have a drain tank for old oil and antifreeze etc...
Before you put any coolant back in your engine go check out the Amsoil.com website. The antifreeze they use is some of the best on the market for performance, and mileage plus its safe for kids, & animals too.

[Hemi3TC]

Does anyone know if the newer Cooling System Power Flushing are doing a better job
of cleaning out the cooling system than any of the previous old methods:

1) Drain and Fill with the thermostat removed.
2) Back flush with Tee in heater hose line and water hose.

Power Flushing is down with a flushing machine using compressed air and some flushing
additive as I was told. Some machines are probably better than others.

Toyota dealerships seem to have a flushing machine for everthing now.
Auto Trans, Power Steering, brake and cooling system.

thanx
h3tc