How to Flush the Radiator on Toyota Trucks

A properly maintained radiator and radiator system can keep your Toyota truck operating at its best. The radiator system is composed of the radiator at the front of the engine compartment and the radiator hoses and channels that snake their way around and through the Toyota truck's engine. Radiator fluid circulates through these channels, carrying away excess heat from the engine and dissipating it into the atmosphere through the radiator. Flushing the radiator on your Toyota truck is an important part of your vehicle's maintenance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Drain pan
• Pliers
• Radiator fluid
• Garden hose and water
• Distilled water

1. • 1

     Move your Toyota truck to a location that gives you plenty of elbow room to work around the front of the engine. Shift the truck into park and set the parking brake. Turn off the engine and remove the keys. Pop the hood release. Allow the engine at least half an hour to cool off before beginning work.

   • 2

     Prop open the hood with the catch. Rotate the radiator cap on top of the radiator counterclockwise. After about a quarter-turn, press down and continue turning. The cap should pop out of the radiator.

   • 3

     Take the drain pan and position yourself underneath the radiator. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator. Depending on your Toyota truck model, this could either be on the driver or passenger side of the radiator. The majority of drain plugs are made from white plastic.

   • 4

     Place the drain pan underneath the plug. Remove the plug with a pair of pliers by turning it counterclockwise. Allow the fluid inside the radiator to drain out into the pan. Replace the plug and secure it. Dispose of the fluid properly and replace the pan underneath the plug.

   • 5

     Fill the radiator with water from the garden hose. Start the Toyota engine. Turn on the heater inside the car. Top up the radiator while the engine is running from the hose. Allow the engine to reach operating speed, usually about 10 minutes or so or until the temperature gauge begins to level off. Turn off the engine.

   • 6

     Remove the plug and allow the water inside the radiator to drain out. Replace the plug.

   • 7

     Fill the Toyota truck radiator with a 50/50 mixture of radiator fluid and distilled water. Turn on the engine and ensure the heating system is engaged. Continue filling the radiator with the mixture until it is about an inch from the top. Stop the engine.

   • 8

     Replace the radiator cap. Fill the overflow reservoir to the fill mark with radiator fluid.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a number of chemicals and treatments that you can add to your tank during a flush. Use these at your discretion.

• Dispose of used radiator fluid properly and wipe up any spills. This fluid is harmful to both the environment and small animals, who will try to drink it.