I did a flush, then add a little over a gallon and a half of antifreeze, then top it off with about a gallon of water. I did these since I thought there was still some water left in the engine block after flushing.

I know they say don't go over a 70/30 mixture, but if I have will it hurt it?

Is there anyway to check to see if I have installed to much anitfreeze in my system?


Thanks,
Dave

 

I usually mix the antifreeze and water before adding it to the cooling system. That way, I know exactly how much of each I've added. I don't know of a way to tell after the fact.

However, if you've added too much antifreeze, your 4Runner isn't going to want to warm up. I guess that would be one way to tell.

 

just go to wal-mart or some autoparts store and buy an antifreeze tester (i picked one up for $ .97).........you should be able to get a good idea wether or not you put in the right mixture

 

OK to get a 50/50 mixture take a gallon of anti freeze and put it in the radiator and then fill the anti freeze jug up with water and dump that in. continue this until you have filled your radiator then make sure you take some and put in your overflow tank then run the motor for a few minutes to circulate the coolent then just make sure you have enough coolent in the overflow and the radiator and youll be all set.

 

If you go above a 70/30 mix it will actually freeze at a relatively high temperature (~0°F). It doesn't freeze solid but rather turns to slush which cannot be circulated by the waterpump until it thaws out. Not good. It is usually better to be slightly less than 50/50 than significantly greater. I just pour in a pre-mixed 50/50 solution. Any straight water remaining in the system after a flush won't alter the mixture enough to worry about; maybe a 45/55 mix which is still good to -35°F or so.

 

FYI. I learned in my auto class last year that the most accurate way to tedt the mixture of coolant in your radiator is through a Refractometer which uses light to pass through a drop of antifreeze. It will reflect onto the scale built in and is accurate to the ~3%. Useles info.

-Stu.

 

Refractometer...that's the name I was looking for. Those things are neat but expensive to get.

 

Refractometers are nice but a decent hydrometer works just fine for the average vehicle owner. I tend to get a new one almost every year since I always seem to break them and a new one is cheap insurance.