Drain coolant...overflow question

[coopns]

Drained the coolant on 02 Camry, topped it off. How does the rad work in conjuntion with the overflow tank? After the drain, I topped off the rad to half way between full and empty.

About how many drains till I've replaced most of the coolant? It was a mix with distilled water and red from Toyota.

 

[Warstud]

You fill the radiator to the top and fill the overflow tank to the cold mark. Drive till the engine reaches operating temp. and check the overflow tank again and fill to the hot mark.

 

[The_Jeff]

If you left the radiator cap on it would drain from the overflow. If you have a pressurized surge tank (no cap on the rad) it will drain either way. Edit, it looks like you have a rad cap and non-pressurized recovery tank.

If you leave the rad cap on it will take forever and a day to drain though it will eventually suck out the overflow.

Usually a rad drain replaces 50% of the fluid. This is accounted for in the service interval recommendation. If you want to go overboard in maintenance and your tap water is pretty good (should be in Mass) you can drive around for a week changing to fresh water every evening, then on the 7th day refill the rad with 100% antifreeze.

 

[Eddie]

I think I would not drive the car with only water in the radiator, even though it may contain 25% antifreeze/coolant.

 

[Warstud]

100 % Water + 0 % Anti-Freeze = Corrosion

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: Warstud
100 % Water + 0 % Anti-Freeze = Corrosion

For a week to rinse it out? Nah.

 

[Rand]

I'd just drain and fill. maybe 2x should be 75% new fluid

if you want to be excessive do it 2 more times next year.


I would have to get a hot spot from boiling 100% water in my engine.

 

[bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Warstud
100 % Water + 0 % Anti-Freeze = Corrosion

Agreed, corrosion can happen very quickly. Why do people feel they have to get every last drop of anti-freeze out?

 

[mechtech2]

A good drain is all we usually need.
Special problems require a full flush.

Just keep an eye on your reservoir for a few weeks. Make sure it is 1/2 way full when cold. it likely will go down right after you change.