Coolant change

Tiny
JERSEYGUY19
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Hi, going to do a coolant change. So after doing the flush with distilled water do I refill the radiator with full concentrate coolant or 50/50? Will there be water left in the engine to just use the full concentrate instead of the 50/50? Thanks. Michael
Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 3:40 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Use a 50-50 mix. All coolants today require this for their system for maximum protection.

I attached a guide for flushing the system as well as the actual procedure for you for your vehicle as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 4:44 AM
Tiny
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I’m sorry, but since I can’t get all of the water out of the engine when I’m running the water through everything I hear that to use straight coolant not 50/50 because there is left over water still in the engine block. So the left over water that I couldn’t get out of the engine cause I’m just draining only the water and old coolant through the radiator pet cock will mix with the concentrate coolant that is left over in engine. Right or wrong? Thanks again, Michael
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:04 AM
Tiny
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Do not worry about the remaining water in the block. It will make a small difference in temperature protection.

I would not run full strength at all. Only use 50-50.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:12 AM
Tiny
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Oh okay, thank you very much. In other words don’t look or try to look for a engine drain plug I don’t even know if there is one is there? So 50/50 in reservoir until it’s full, correct? I appreciate you helping me out. Mike
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
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There is one but it takes a while to find it moving things out of the way to get access.

Yes, the system uses 50-50 for the entire cooling system.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:20 AM
Tiny
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Thanks a lot Roy you were a big help and money saver. Be safe. Mike
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:22 AM
Tiny
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I attached a picture of the block for you. The drain will be a plug located close to the bottom of the block. I circled where it could be on each side.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
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So don’t try to loosen them leave them alone right? I’m not really great on cars I’m just a normal home owner with two ramps for front tires. So leave them alone correct? Thanks
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
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In my opinion, yes, leave them alone.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
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Okay, cool. Thanks again. Won’t bother you anymore. Lol!
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
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Never a bother.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 9:03 AM

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