cooling system ??

[GraBBer]

Just bought an 88 MR2 with 80,000 miles. Car has been well maintained and the previous owner said all it might need is a cooling system flush at this time.
Is this something relativly easy to do on these cars, or not? I've used the Prestone "Flush & Fill" system on previous cars that I've owned. Would it work on this car? and, Would there be any potential problems in doing it?
Also, should the thermostat be changed when I do the flush (as part of the regular maintenance), or do I just let it be (if it ain't broke, don't fix it)? Hoses too?
Would it be 'easy' to replace the thermostat and hoses?

(dealer wants $72. for the flush + $150. to replace the thermostat - for that price, I'd rather do it myself, ya think?)

thanks,
Ed

[Piddy]

If you don't know your way around the MR2.... i would take it to the dealer for $150 with the thermostat. Properly flushing the coolant can be tricky.

[ToyotaTechGeek]

depends.

it is a long process to do correctly. i use BG, not prestone for flush. i also ONLY use distilled water. and i only use Toyota red coolant. thermostat might be a nice thing to do while the cooling system is being serviced anyway. i did all of my hoses at one. really, you should inspect them. don't forget the ones in front underneath and in the frunk. use the BGB cooling system bleed procedure or suffer impending doom (yes, i'm being a little bit meladramatic) of your head gasket and idle and all kinds of other fun stuff! also, inspect and r&r the coolant cap and bleeder o rings if necessary!