hi guys, I am in a hury in the middle of nowhere with limited access to the internet. Please, let me know ASAP.

do I need to remove the front skid plate to flush the radiator and replace the anti-freeze? Thank you.

w.

I did not have to pull my skid plate when I flushed.

Thank you, which valve(s) did you open to flush it?

If you look up from underneath the radiator you should see some holes in the skidplate directly beneath the radiator endtank. One of those gives access to a white plastic wing nut that lets you drain the radiator when you loosen it counterclockwise. Once that's open you can open the radiator cap so the coolant will come out faster.

The radiator drain plug is located on the passenger side, next to the lower radiator hose, facing towards the engine. It's a white, round plug, with a rubber o-ring. If the plug is on tight, you can grab it with a set of pliers or channel locks. When you put the plug back on, hand tighten only, or you might crack something. You can see the plug and reach it by hand if you crawl underneath the front bumper, in front of the right front passenger tire. Try not to drop the drain plug (like I did the first time), or you'll have to remove the skid plate to get it out of the framework.

I drain the coolant once a year, and put in a 50/50 mix of Prestone and distilled water.

wquon
2k Ltd 4x4 Auto

How often do others flush their system? I typically do this every other year on my vehicles.

thank you all! a million!

regards,

w.

There is also an engine block drain that's easily visible if you look through the right front wheel well and pull the rubber splash shield slightly aside.. It's is easily opened if you use a 12" long extension on the proper size socket..

The block drain even has a place to put a rubber hose on it to drain into a bucket, etc..

I change mine every two years... and use only the Toyota red coolant. I realize others may be just fine, but I don't want to take any chances on head gasket corrosion and possible failure.

The 3.4 V6 is absolutely the easiest engine I've ever changed the antifreeze on e.g. no problems with trapped air and having the "burp" the system to get it completely full.