First time flushing an 05 Tacoma

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Back40

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I have never flushed the cooling system on my 05 Tacoma. Just drained and refilled with Toyota Super Long Life every 30k (apprx 2 yrs). Should I use anything else besides distilled water? Once the coolant has been drained and distilled water added how long do I allow the engine to idle? Any other suggested additives or steps? Also, what is a good non-Toyota coolant option? Thanks for your feedback!
 
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Why flush it? If you've drained and filled every 30K the system is probably spotless. I've done the same with perfect results in my Toyotas.

Keep using Toyota coolant. It's proven.
 
No need to flush. The drain & fills every 30k are plenty.

Side note: Does your Tacoma have engine block drains for the coolant? The 4.7 in my '04 Tundra does, and it makes coolant changes really easy.
 
Originally Posted By: drtyler
No need to flush. The drain & fills every 30k are plenty.

Side note: Does your Tacoma have engine block drains for the coolant? The 4.7 in my '04 Tundra does, and it makes coolant changes really easy.


Yes
 
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Why flush it? If you've drained and filled every 30K the system is probably spotless. I've done the same with perfect results in my Toyotas.

Keep using Toyota coolant. It's proven.


I starting reading thru some of the threads on this forum and saw flushing mentioned so thought I had been missing the boat. Also read something else interesting/disturbing that someone mentioned that there are complaints of the SLL causing leaks and some folks were switching back to Red concentrate. My Tacoma has 142k and no sign of coolant leaks.
 
I flushed my Honda S2000 coolant system earlier this year because I changed from Honda coolant to Peak Global Lifetime. When I changed coolant in my E430 with G05 I did every 4-5 years with drain and fill only, no flush.

In your case, just drain and fill every few years are more than adequate.
 
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Originally Posted By: Miller88
I agree with the others - with frequent drain and fills with the correct coolant, a flush wouldn't be needed.


+1 - Keep doing what you've been doing. You can also use Zerex Asian Vehicle Anitfreeze. I just used it for my Vibe - with the Toyota 1ZZFE 1.8 4cyl - I had to change the water pump out due to a bearing going out.
 
Originally Posted By: Bud_One
Originally Posted By: Miller88
I agree with the others - with frequent drain and fills with the correct coolant, a flush wouldn't be needed.


+1 - Keep doing what you've been doing. You can also use Zerex Asian Vehicle Anitfreeze. I just used it for my Vibe - with the Toyota 1ZZFE 1.8 4cyl - I had to change the water pump out due to a bearing going out.

+2 ... doing the simple drain and fills every 2~3 years should keep all the anti-corrosion additives at peak performance. No need to do a full flush.
 
Originally Posted By: Back40
Also read something else interesting/disturbing that someone mentioned that there are complaints of the SLL causing leaks and some folks were switching back to Red concentrate.


Where did you read the SLL is causing leaks?

The only time I flush is when I buy a used car with an unknown coolant history, or I am changing the type of coolant I am using.

I have been using Toyota SLL in our 05 Highlander with no issues in 160,000 miles.
 
I generally drain, fill with tap, drain, then fill with 50/50. Sometimes I add a bit of citric acid to that tap and let it sit a while, then flush it a few times. That's if I see any signs of rust or residue in the pan. Only on systems with an issue would I do a proper flush with stronger citric acid through the whole system (per the MB FSM recommendations).
 
I did something different because I wanted to use Long Life Peak Global Lifetime full strength on my 01 Tacoma last time. Did several distilled water rad. d&f's till clear to get all the old Toy Red out, then filled half capacity with PGL and topped with distilled. Fairly easy, and distilled is inexpensive.

Another 'full strength' option, an Asian PHOAT Pep Boys OEM Asian, for Toyota, Red or Pink take your pick, same AF. Can get it delivered to your door for $23/gal through PB@ebay or a $1 less in store.

If you want to go the simple rad d&f route, Walmart now carries it's own ZAF premix called Valvoline Asian Vehicle Antifreeze ~$12/gal. Good choice in premix PHOAT too.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-Asia...13=&veh=sem
 
The frequent drain and fills are 10 times better than the way most people maintain their cooling systems. I with bet that your vehicle is in great shape and does not need a flush.
 
Originally Posted By: rustypigeon
Originally Posted By: Back40
Also read something else interesting/disturbing that someone mentioned that there are complaints of the SLL causing leaks and some folks were switching back to Red concentrate.


Where did you read the SLL is causing leaks?

See Vlad the Russian's comments

The only time I flush is when I buy a used car with an unknown coolant history, or I am changing the type of coolant I am using.

I have been using Toyota SLL in our 05 Highlander with no issues in 160,000 miles.
 
^^^^As for Vlads anecdote comment, you can read my thoughts on SLL leak talk posted HERE. In short imo not much to it. And the same poster making the comment in rav board thread as the bitog thread. How urban legends are spread imo. Your call.
 
My 2005 Tacoma 4.0L V6 has has the pink 'Super Long Life' (SLL) coolant in it since it was new. I have changed it a couple of times with the same Toyota pink coolant. No leaks anywhere.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I generally drain, fill with tap, drain, then fill with 50/50. Sometimes I add a bit of citric acid to that tap and let it sit a while, then flush it a few times. That's if I see any signs of rust or residue in the pan. Only on systems with an issue would I do a proper flush with stronger citric acid through the whole system (per the MB FSM recommendations).

After filled with tap water you can't possibly drain all that water out, then fill with 50/50 will never get 50/50 in you system.

I did these steps with my Honda S2000 few months ago:
. Drained with heater at max temp
. Closed petcock
. Filled with distilled water
. Ran engine until coolant reach normal temp
. Drained
. Closed petcock
. Filled with concentrate to 50% capacity
. Top off with distilled water

The system is very close to 50-50.
 
Originally Posted By: Back40
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Why flush it? If you've drained and filled every 30K the system is probably spotless. I've done the same with perfect results in my Toyotas.

Keep using Toyota coolant. It's proven.


I starting reading thru some of the threads on this forum and saw flushing mentioned so thought I had been missing the boat. Also read something else interesting/disturbing that someone mentioned that there are complaints of the SLL causing leaks and some folks were switching back to Red concentrate. My Tacoma has 142k and no sign of coolant leaks.


My '09 Tacoma had some black articles show up in the overflow tank during the first 10K miles. When I had the dealer service inspect it they told me I put something in it that was not designed for it and wanted $500+ to replace the shroud and flush the cooling system. I told them they were full of (you know what). I was concerned that maybe a head gasket was giving up early. Turns out it was only residual assembly sealant from the factory, the particles were soft. But, I drained the radiator and block, mixed 1/4 cup of TSP - Tri Sodium Phosphate (the real stuff) in distilled water until it was dissolved and filled my cooling system with distilled water and ran to operating temp for about 20 minutes just in case there was some sort of oil based contamination. Drained, refilled, rinsed the system with 100% distilled water 3 times to be absolutely sure it was clean then refilled with fresh pink coolant and no problems to this day. If you are problem free doing periodic drain and fills, I wouldn't change what works for you. I used TSP because its an old method that doesn't harm seals and is effective at breaking up any oil layer that may be in the system.
 
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