1FZ-FE engine block drain plug location

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ironbinder

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Mar 9, 2016
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Napa County California
Ok, yes, I have already spent hours looking for a simple straight forward answer as to the location of the engine block plug for draining the coolant out of the engine block.

This is for a FZJ 80 Cruiser 1996. 1FZ-FE engine. 4.5 liter.

I just want to drain the block. Anyone know where the exact location of the drain plug is for the block?
(Please, no answers for the 3Fe engine (91 to '92) That is not the engine I have.)

Thanks
 
there are pictures somewhere around here on the forums but it is located inside the drivers side wheel well, looking directly towards the engine block. This picture will do a much better job than my vague description :hillbilly:

engine block drain plug
 
on3i11s said:
there are pictures somewhere around here on the forums but it is located inside the drivers side wheel well, looking directly towards the engine block. This picture will do a much better job than my vague description :hillbilly:

engine block drain plug
Click to expand...

Is this picture for the 1FZ-FE engine? Or the 3FE engine? I looked in that location and I don't see it. I was using a real bright flashlight as well.
Some of the previous postings drive me crazy when someone says, they have 80 cruiser , well which one at least 2 different types of petrol engines for the 80 cruiser.
At least when I post I am specific.
 
IIRC - you have to remove DS tire and part the inner wheel well cowling - looks for a brass 14mm nut -

tip - drain as much coolant as you can from the petcock or lower rad hose - lest you want the weight / pressure of 4+ gallons
of coolant coming blasting out of the block drain...

block

block

  • Media owner baselfish
  • Date added


Bf
 
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Should be brass looking plug go thru right by top of the wheel well bout right of center little bit 14mm brass bolt
 
Ok, I found it , it was not that hard. My local Cruiser mechanic told me that is was almost impossible to find. And that is was up "UNDER the Starter motor. Sheeesh, no it was not! So I was looking and feeling around in the most difficult places on that side of the motor block. Never thinking of looking where I found it. It seems to me to be in the middle of that side of the block. It is about a good 5 inches in front of the Starter and an inch up as well.
I did not need to remove the tire to get to it. (I still have the stock tires, so lots of room) All you need is an 18" extension with a 14mm swivel head socket. I did remove 2 trim flap buttons so I could fold back the inner flap skirt out of the way, then I could easily see it. Once you know where it is It is pretty easy to find.
Thanks for the info. Pics to come soon.
 
ironbinder said:
Ok, I found it , it was not that hard. My local Cruiser mechanic told me that is was almost impossible to find. And that is was up "UNDER the Starter motor. Sheeesh, no it was not! So I was looking and feeling around in the most difficult places on that side of the motor block. Never thinking of looking where I found it. It seems to me to be in the middle of that side of the block. It is about a good 5 inches in front of the Starter and an inch up as well.
I did not need to remove the tire to get to it. (I still have the stock tires, so lots of room) All you need is an 18" extension with a 14mm swivel head socket. I did remove 2 trim flap buttons so I could fold back the inner flap skirt out of the way, then I could easily see it. Once you know where it is It is pretty easy to find.
Thanks for the info. Pics to come soon.
Click to expand...


This is a great write up. I am going to be doing the PHH as soon as it comes in and I wasn't sure how to drain the block.

Thank you.
 
Not sure if my wheel well trim flaps are different, but on mine the flap that blocks access to the starter has a small 1" gap between the front edge and the shock tower.. this is perfectly lined up and sized to allow access to the block drain without needing to remove/break trim flap buttons.

I've also found that if you can be a bit of a contortionist, once you crack the drain loose, from the top you can pull the plug and insert a vinyl hose into the hole (can't remember exact size but around 3/8" OD, maybe 5/16) to control where the coolant flows. I bring this hose in my trip toolkit to make collecting the coolant on the side of the road easier if needed.. and it avoids having to drip down an oily/dirty frame rail and suspension. This part of the operation would be WAY easier with the starter flap removed..

Same size hose fits through a hole on the front crossmember that lines up with a small nipple on the radiator petcock.

Last time I needed to drain coolant I got it all out and into a bucket and it was perfectly clean. maybe a few ounces ended up on the driveway.
 
The block drain is hard to spot because it gets dark with age/corrosion and blends in with the block, but as you said once you know where to look it's easy. Follow the extensions to the block, that's it peeking out near the socket.

1FZFE block drain plug location.jpg
 
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Just my 2 cents:

Don't use the radiator drain petcock, pull the bottom hose off.
Now is a perfect time to replace hoses if you do not know age.
From Gates about $25 (Rock Auto), or about $50 OEM 1FZ-FE Radiator Hose Kit

Know age and condition of Radiator Cap and Thermostat? Get OEM for both, too many have issues with aftermarket and they are cheap.

Mix you coolant with distilled water. It gets circulated in your motor about a billion times and costs $1 per gallon.
Many are going prestone green vs OEM due to cost of Toyota Red.
The drain interval is the question and I'm comfortable with every 5 yrs.

Poor the old coolant down the drain as it is sweet and poisonous to animals, and a miserable death. It will also show up on toxicology tests so no "Redbull Chillers"
 
If you have stock tires it is easy to access, if you have larger tires you might have to remove the wheel. All you need is an 18" extension and a 14mm swivel head socket, maybe even a straight socket would work. I have a 14mm swivel head so I used it. I put some permatex 'silver' anti seizing compound on the threads when I put the plug back in. I am planning on using the Beck Arnley Coolant, full concentrate. (of course I am adding water, duh. dilute to about 50%) I found it on amazon for 22 bucks a gallon. It says it is for Toyota and Lexus.
 
Thanks Mudders! Keeping the cruiser well maintained with a flush & change on mine. Prestone & distilled water this time around.
 
Try searching for block drain or coolant plug part number on this forum
and you'll find it in a discussion about eight years ago. Toyota calls it
a Cock Assembly, Drain.

Your local Toyota parts guy can order it for you.
 
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