Radiator coolant question

[keng1013]

hey guys - simple question:

what does every1 here use for coolant? is 4life red abt right? And what is the diff between red & green.

Next question : does coolant go in both (i) the expansion box (ie the white box in front with the min/max mark as well as (ii) in the radiator?

3rd question - how full to fill the radiator?

Thanks.

KP

[Martin F]

Use the Toyota red coolant, it is a 4Life derivative but its the recommended one for our cars. Not sure what the difference is between the red and green ones (think one is suitable for aluminium heads\components and another isn't) but the red one is the correct one for our cars.

It comes ready mixed from Toyota, but i tend to dillute mine down further by 50% as this gives better thermal conduction at the expense of cold temperature protection.

To change the coolant you need to undo the drain screw at the bottom of the radiator or take off the bottom hose. Make sure you empty the expansion tank as well if the coolant in there is grotty.

When thats all done and you have closed up the drain tap or replaced the bottom hose, then fill up your radiator to the brim with new coolant. Leave the rad cap off and start the car up. Let the car run and keep topping up the coolant in the radiator when the level goes down. You need to bring the car up to temperature so may have to increase the idle a bit.

Once the car is up to temperature and the thermostat has opened (ie top radiator hose is hot) then turn off the engine and top the level up in the radiator once more and replace the cap. Top up the expansion tank to the max level and your done for now.

This is how i've done most of my refills and never have any big issues with air in the system. Just make sure you check the level in the expansion tank after a few 100 miles and top it up if necessary.

[Syed Shah]

This link should help you:

http://www.mkiv.com/faq/faqtt.html#enginecooling1

[keng1013]

thanks guys!