Changing engine coolant

Attach a hose to the radiator drain cock, and fully drain the coolant into a clean container like an empty antifreeze bottle. You'll probably get 3 quarts out and that will get the fluid level below the engine coolant pump mounting location.

Then replace the engine coolant pump, and refill the radiator with the coolant that you had saved. You should have a gallon of Toyota SLLC available, in case of spills or some other need to replenish coolant beyond the amount saved.

 

Thanks. Do you know the size of the hose by any chance?

 

I use a length of black rubber hose, probably 3/8" inner diameter. Take a look at the radiator drain cock first, if you need to go out and buy a hose.

 

This would work *really* well with a Lisle funnel, to avoid introducing air into the system.

 

OK. I tried to replace water pump today, but got stuck at the tensioner nut.
Got long 14 wrench and tried to unscrew it but - no go.
It stripped corners like bolt was made from light aluminum.
After looking closely, I noticed that there was something that looks like pink screw lock on top of the nut....
Is it suppose to be there? Not sure.
Any suggestions on how to remove that damn nut?
Really appreciate all your help!

 

Are you using a quality six-point socket and a cheater bar to exert sufficient torque? Do NOT use a cheap 12-point socket. The tightening torque is 30 ft.-lb so you may need to exert 40 ft.-lb or more to loosen if the threads are not clean. The tensioner pulley nut does not require Loctite - it is tight enough at the correct torque.

 

Easiest way to loosen the 14mm is to use a socket with a cheater bar, gives it a little more torque. One of my other friends mentioned loctite when he did his as well. It shouldn't be there. A wrench might not do it, use a proper socket

SM-N900P ?

 

I will try nut extractor + heat next weekend.

 

I got it out with nut-out socket and 40 sec. direct heat. Belt was cracked badly all over, but pump is solid. I compared it to the brand new one that I've got and didn't see any difference. The way it moves, fills and there is no play at all ....., so I just replaced the belt for now.
I did see very tiny dry sip of the coolant on the bottom of the pump, but I read that it coud be a normal thing....

 

Your pump is leaking. You went through all the trouble of taking it out but didn't replace it? You already have the new one in your hand........

SM-N900P ?

 

Not all leaks are equal. One small enough to not cause the level in the reservoir to drop would not bother me.

 

Yes I understand how you feel, I would do the same upon visual inspection. But the OP seemed to have removed the pump and has a new pump already. I don't know why he didn't just replace it......knowing there is a small seeping leak present.

 

I believe that 08GRAYtour removed the idler pulley but left the engine coolant pump in place after looking at it.

 

Correct. I removed pulley only and not the pump.
Drove more then 700 highway miles Chicago-Michigan(Upper Peninsula) and back - coolant level still the same.
Will keep new pump - just in case.

 

In 1912, the average american paid basically zero tax: income or property. Today we pay over 50% of our earnings in tax. With that in mind, a 75 hour work week makes sense: about 40 hours for you and about 40 hours for the government. Or put another way, you work about 6 months a year to pay your tax burden.

 

If this was 1912, a person with your glowing intellect would be unemployed for sure; probably dead from starvation, but possibly living with the rats eating garbage or occasionally stealing some dog food.

 

how did the government operate without taxes? printing press? oy, i hope we don't get tossed into freds.

 

So I've read up on changing the coolant and am wondering this.
1. Are there videos or pictures to do this and
2. I have changed the Lithium ion battery and sparkplugs is this with in my skill level?

 

what lithium ion battery?

 

the small battery that starts the car (looks like a regular car battery located to the right of the spare tire in the trunk compartment) not the big hybrid battery