Toyota coolant change

[DogLover]

I changed the coolant in my wife's 2003 Toyota Corolla with 91,000 miles. We bought the car last month and don't know much about the maintenance history. I used the red Toyota full strength coolant from the dealership. Drained the radiator, block and overflow tank. The coolant capacity should be 6.9 quarts. I have only been able to get about 4, maybe 4.5 quarts back in the car. It may burp a little more air out as she drives but I doubt it will be much. I was expecting more to be drained since I opened the block, radiator and overflow tank. Any suggestions on what I should have done differently?
Terry

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd keep a close eye on the coolant level. When the toyo dealer replaced the water pump in my 05 Matrix the level went from max to low soon afterwards. After topping it off the level was fine.

 

[pbm]

I would have drained and refilled it with water a few times so that you would have been adding full strength coolant to (nearly) pure water.
Summer is the perfect time to do this because there is no risk of freezing.
As it is you probably have more than the desired 1/2 to 2/3rds coolant.

 

[DogLover]

pbm, I am wishing I had done that now. Live and learn I guess.
Terry

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: terry274
pbm, I am wishing I had done that now. Live and learn I guess.
Terry



If you have to add any more add pure water.
After things reach equilibrium (all air is out of the sytem and you no longer have to add anything) you could always drain some from the overflow tank and add straight water.
As long as you have approx. 30% water you'll be OK.