Don't worry about using tap water for the flush. Use distilled water for the 50/50 mix.
-B-
Thanks Beo.
Just to confirm that by "Don't worry" you mean not to bother with the tap water flush, or literally not to worry of using tap water.
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Don't worry about using tap water for the flush. Use distilled water for the 50/50 mix.
-B-
Just to confirm that by "Don't worry" you mean not to bother with the tap water flush, or literally not to worry of using tap water.
Flushing the coolant cannot be overstated. Be sure you know how to back flush the heater core and rear heater core, know and use the block drain and of course know and use the radiator drain. And of course remove the thermostat during flushing. It's the most important thing you'll do on your 80 this year if you're switching types.
Personally, I'd even fill with water and run errands for the day before doing a final drain and fill that evening.
DougM
Anybody else using the Prestone "All makes all models" coolant? I've been using this for a year after I swapped my radiator last spring. It was completely flushed including the heater core prior to swapping. I have not experienced any issues. Currently sitting at 120k miles, original HG.
I read here that it is actually very similar to Toyota red. Anyone have any info?
Anybody else using the Prestone "All makes all models" coolant? I've been using this for a year after I swapped my radiator last spring. It was completely flushed including the heater core prior to swapping. I have not experienced any issues. Currently sitting at 120k miles, original HG.
I read here that it is actually very similar to Toyota red. Anyone have any info?
After seeing how well the "green stuff" protected mine, I'm sticking with Mr T's KoolAid.
With such obvious neglect by the PO, why do you blame the "green stuff"? Anyone who reads the FAQ on the cooling system can see that the long life coolant has it's problems and shouldn't be used in the 80. The "green stuff" that Andrew & I are referring to is Prestone All Makes and Models, not Long Life. What's important, whether you use green or red, is 1. stick with what your using and don't mix; & 2. Don't neglect your cooling system. Flush & replace at least every other year.
Reference thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/45372-green-coolant-vs-red-coolant.html
OK, first off YMMV. Done with the disclaimer.
If you are using some other brand of coolant, rock on. I have seen many vehicles with nasty cooling systems over the years. Do you blame the coolant or the owner? Both? In my case both with this particular 80 and other Toyotas I have owned, I put much of the onus on the coolant. After speaking with a couple of people who have way more experience with metalurgy than I do, I now understand why Toyota has a particular coolant for their vehicles. From what I gather, their coolants are formulated based on the various metals and alloys used in their engines and cooling systems. Having dissimilar metals with water flowing through them can create a type of galvonic corrosion. Universal coolants can be formulated to provide some degree of protection from this process based upon a general "recipe" of what metals and alloys are used in current production vehicles. While this does provide some corrosion protection, it doesn't stop or prevent it as well as a specifically designed coolant. End of rant.
Use whatever you want. My experience tells me the slight additional cost is well worth the protection.
Just me personally, but I think if everyone applied this to their 80 series, we would see many fewer head gasket failures.
Well sure, but...all car companies use the same metals in car motors and cooling systems. Iron, Aluminum, and brass. That's basically it. It isn't like there are any secrets here...
But it is quite likely, that you would get the highest longevitiy in a Toyota engine from using a coolant designed for it. $.02