Coolant Fush?

[nelwen89]

Ok, I'm getting ready to replace all of the water components in my 1988 FJ62, water pump, radiator, hoses, and etc. Should I go ahead and do a system flush now, and what is the best way (or easist) to accomplish this. Can I do all of this in my own driveway or do I need any special facilities or garage for this job?

Plus I plan to clean out my heater core too, because it never did put out any heat worth mentioning.

Thank you,
Nelson

 

[calphi27]

get the prestone t kit from autozone and install it. it allows you to hook up a hose and flush. make sure to open the pet cock on the driver's side back of the engine. do a search for prestone t. it can be done in your driveway, but please catch and keep all antifreeze. when you are almost done, do a flush with DISTILLED WATER, then fill with 50-50 mix of antifreeze and DISTILLED WATER.

 

[Michael Hanson]

I agree also replace the thermostat and get both gaskets for it.

 

[nelwen89]

Thanks for the info. I do plan to replace the thermostat and all related gaskets too. I also agree that I need to procure items to collect all of the refuse coolant.

 

[tsototh]

Don't know if it is right or wrong, but were I live I pour the used coolant down the sink... I guess that way they'll treat it before dumping it in the nearest river...

 

[ntsqd]

That is the Catch-22 of coolant. Sure don't want it running down the gutter, but what do you do with it once you've contained it?

 

[calphi27]

That is the Catch-22 of coolant. Sure don't want it running down the gutter, but what do you do with it once you've contained it?

I took mine to the county land fill. I collected coolant and the stuff after the first flush. I used a homer bucket from HD and then poured the contents into various milk jugs.

 

[ntsqd]

To the best of my knowledge my local one no longer accepts engine oil or coolant. Oil is easy, state law requires those who sell it to reclaim it. Have to look into coolant. So far I've been filtering and reusing it.