Coolant Replacement

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Coolant Replacement

Post by smokintyres »

My 2.7 will get some TLC this weekend and I was just wondering if I should purchase the original Toyota Coolant (Pink fluid) or if anyone can recommend any other brand?
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by GRWLR ZN »

If you can get your hands on the Toyota pink stuff at a good price, then stick with it.

If not... Castrol Radicool SF premix should do the trick (it's also pink) ... works in my lexus with no hassles :thumbup:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

As far as raising the boiling point and lowering the freezing point of the coolant water, they all do more or less the same job (ethylene glycol base). Where the difference between a good or bad product manifests is it's ability to stop corrosion and lubricate the pump seals / bushes and furthermore how long it can do so effectively before efficiency drops off. The premium products are all pretty much on a par with each other overall IMO and generally you get what you pay for except maybe in the case of paying the often higher dealership spare-shop prices.

Also important to bear in mind is that these products are intended to be replaced annually - a good thing in itself besides just for replacing the additive. Older vehicles with original radiators could benefit from a radiator flush as well. :winkx:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by smokintyres »

Thanks Andy and Louis! Did a bit of shopping around and found that the Toyota fluid is marginally more expensive than the Castrol, so I am going to stick with the original Toyota fluid.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

:thumbup:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Tim86 »

Any recommended brand of flush?
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

If the Toyota one is only "marginally more expensive" as quoted above, then maybe use that one. :winkx:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mars »

If the system has rust and rubbish in it then I would do a flush. If the system has always had the correct concentration of coolant then I would not use a chemical flush to flush it as the coolant also serves to keep the system clean and prevent rust. At most I would flush the radiator with clean fresh water.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Rigger »

Mars wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2018 6:21 am At most I would flush the radiator with clean fresh water.
I see Tim stays in Cape Town, better do that flush at midnight or someone might shoot you if you use drinkable water to flush a radiator :D:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mars »

I actually noticed that and was tempted to say unless you stay in Cape Town. Being the fastidious owner that he obviously is I think he would probably go and by about 15 litres of Valpre and not use the tap water. :laugh2:
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by dax021 »

Excuse the hijack, but was wondering what is the best procedure for flushing the coolant system. Is it as simple as removing the top and bottom hoses and shoving a hose pipe in? What about flushing the block? Mine is not too bad, but I want to replace the coolant and have noticed some rust in there. Would like to start off clean. Thanks
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

Just get a bottle of Winns Radiator Flush and follow the label instructions. A little coolant is removed and the bottle contents added to the radiator - the motor is run for a short period and then all coolant is flushed / drained and replaced. So that will flush out the block as well.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by dax021 »

Thanks Andy, will get some Wynns and give it a go one of these fine days. Haven't serviced the bakkie for about 3 yrs, so will do everything at once. Want to try the diesel in sump flush as well.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

You wrote:Haven't serviced the bakkie for about 3 yrs ...
:blink:
Not good Peter, but I suppose a lot depends on what mileage has been done over that period. The anti freeze however is not intended to last that long and may be the reason why you are getting traces of rust in the coolant - it should be replaced annually even if the vehicle is not used regularly.

This is one of the things I have a bit of a battle with - only two of my vehicles get used on a regular basis but I make a point of keeping the batteries charged and starting them all up at least every 2 weeks, letting them run for about 10 to 15 mins. Also take each one for a drive up to the shops or around the block just to churn up the oil in the diffs and boxes (engage 4x4 without locking the front hubs). Vehicles don't like to stand unused for too long.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Tim86 »

This Toyota Red coolant - is it to be used neat or diluted with water in a certain ratio? I have read conflicting views on the american forums compared to my query to the stealers. Stealers say it must be used neat but this is a salesman not a mechanic, and I'm sure all Toyota employees would say the same.. pretty pricey at R65.00 per litre, x8 and you're looking at half a grand on coolant alone!!!
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by smokintyres »

I had the exact same thoughts, but the coolant should definitely not be diluted. It is formulated to keep your internals corrosion free and your water pump running smoothly. Saving a couple of Rand by diluting may end up costing you more than a few grand to replace water pump and perhaps a blown engine...
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Tim86 »

Gotcha, thanks!
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

Got to say that I take the recommendation of the Toyota antifreeze with a pinch of salt. These things are all ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and they all do more or less the same thing when used as recommended.

I have used the 'off the shelf' additives for decades without any water pump failures or excessive corrosion (a little corrosion is unavoidable IMO) and I have covered many thousands of kilos in that time. I just get a decent brand and add a little more than the recommendation on the bottle.

Bear in mind that they all have a limited period of efficiency and should be changed annually - that part I believe in.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Tim86 »

What do you mean by 'additive' Andy? - a concentrate that is added to water in a ratio? The Castrol Radicool and Toyota stuff seem to be the standouts on the premixed coolant front and at roughly the same cost. What brand would you recommend for either premix or additive?

This is a very decent original '95 I bought a year or so ago and the first hilux I've had which is in a state that I want to give it the best and make it last another 20 years:)
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

Additive - yes, usually comes in a litre bottle that would typically treat about 5 lit water. Ultimoil made a good one if you can still get it, otherwise the Castrol one (additive) isn't too bad, but if you find any of the better known brands like Holts, Wynn's, Spanjaard etc., they should be more than able to do the trick.

Like I said though, they should be replaced annually and the same goes for the Toyota one. Here's the thing, there can be no doubt that if Toyota put their mark on it, it's going to be a good product - but is it 4 or 5 times the price superior? I think not.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mars »

I usually get the G10 or G10plus coolant from Goldwagen which is a Volkswagen coolant. It is a concentrate so it works out cheaper than the pre-mixed coolants you buy from the stealers. I don't like paying a premium for their water. The Toyota coolant is marked as Long-life (the G10 plus too) on the bottle so I don't think you need to replace it annually. I certainly don't and I have not had any form of corrosion in my system.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by dalkill »

I speak under correction, but in the back of my head is stuck the figure of 90 000 km for the Toyota LL coolant??
Surely that does not have to be changed annually?
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Dirka »

Have a look at this link:

http://www.toyota.co.za/genuine/service#value-service

On the service schedules the TOY LL coolant gets replaced after 160K Km en then thereafter every 80K Km.

It's nice link to have so you can see what exactly needs to be done.
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Re: Coolant Replacement

Post by Mud Dog »

Hmmm ...... Interesting, you live and learn. Then the Toyota coolant might well make economic sense in the long term - but what about cases where you may loose the coolant when a pipe leaks or the coolant has to be drained to work on the motor or replace radiator etc? If you're not doing it yourself will the mechanic working on the car save the coolant?

I think I would still go with the cheaper concentrated additive.
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