3.4L Radiator Flush
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Midwest
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3.4L Radiator Flush
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
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
#2
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mill Creek, Washington
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
2.lefty loosey
Don't forget to use distilled water.
#5
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bulldog-yota
What do you guys do with the old fluid?
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.
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Indiana, PA
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp
#9
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.
just kidding - i definitely don't recommend that method, as i continue to experience issues with it leaking.
try the site Mikey recommended.
#10
Contributing Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Morgan Hill, CA
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Midwest
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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...
#13
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mill Creek, Washington
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#15
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mill Creek, Washington
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#16
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mill Creek, Washington
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#18
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Midwest
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Longbed 90
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
22
03-11-2019 12:38 PM
LotOMiles
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
8
09-14-2015 11:45 PM