4Runner4Christ

I have searched through the forums, my owners manual, and the write-up section but did not find answers to a few questions (although I did see stuff on the 3.0/22RE, etc). A flush isnt a big deal, but I have a few questions (please only post info if it pertains to the 3.4L):

1. Is there only one drain plug (the one on the radiator)?
2. To drain the fluid do you turn the valve counterclockwise? (I have had radiators where you turned then clockwise to drain, and I dont want to break off another drain plug).
Everything else I am OK with. Thanks

Mickdady

1. Some manuals say 2 (1 on block, 1 on rad), many people have searched to find the second one, I haven't seen it. Just use the Rad drain it works just fine.

2.lefty loosey

Don't forget to use distilled water.

bulldog-yota

What do you guys do with the old fluid?

Mickdady

I take mine to the dump which has a fluid recycling center. If yours doesn't have that shucks and some autozones will take it.

HaveBlue

Pour it down the nearest culvert.

Just kidding.

Here in Colorado, there's a place where we can take household chemicals, coolant included, to dispose of them. They charge $10, but there's no limit.

Check your yellow pages for waste disposal. Your own trash company should even have a contact/place for you to go.

bulldog-yota

Thanx, will keep it in mind next time I need to have it flushed. Tired of paying dealer to do it.

99runner4me

I just flushed mine Friday night, and only found 1 drain plug.

Just flush your old fluid down the toilet as long as it's not oily.

Mikey

I found this site along time ago when I was trying to get rid of some old oils and stuff. It's pretty good. Just type in you zip code and it will tell you who's local that will take the stuff.

http://www.earth911.org/master.asp

r0cky

you could always change the fluid like i did - have some guy come over to work on your truck and maybe one of the times you have your back turned he'll saw into the radiator and all the fluid will drain out down the driveway. to avoid people asking who was murdered in your driveway, put down kitty litter to absorb it.

just kidding - i definitely don't recommend that method, as i continue to experience issues with it leaking.

try the site Mikey recommended.

bulldog-yota

Thanx for the site, will look into it for next time.

I dont think it is a good idea to flush it down the toilet, antifreeze is toxic who knows where it ends up.

And I prefer to use the flush valve to holes in my radiator

r0cky

gee, i don't know why you'd prefer that!

4Runner4Christ

Thanks for the info everyone. I ran into a little snag...I realized that the skid plate needs to come off to get at that drain plug easier...and I have a skid plate bolt that is rounded off...

Mickdady

I had one rounded too. If you reach through the passenger side lower wheel well you can reach the petcock. I put a small piece of cardboard in the front bolt hole to deflect the coolant straigt down while it was draining. It worked pretty well and only a little spilled down the skid plate.

Amir904

what are the consequences of NOT using distilled water?

Mickdady

The impurities in tap water contribute to corrosion. I also put a bottle of water wetter in my radiator. I use it on all my vehicles including my 2-stroke dirtbike.

Mickdady

I should also mention, if you used tap water....don't worry to much. The dealerships use tap water when they flush too. Distilled just seems to do a better job of keeping the cooling system clean. If you do regular flushes you will be ok.

Robinhood150

Some areas do legally allow you to pour it down the toilet, it depends on whether the sanitation place down the line can accept it. Check your local laws...

4Runner4Christ

Interesting, I'll try to get at it that way. I have a section of bicycle tire innertube I am going to put around the petcock and point down thru the opening to the catch pail. That should accomplish the same thing.