Toyota 4Runner • FREE Maintenance Tech Tips - DIY Antifreeze/Coolant service (Drain/Fill) Part 5

Episode 5 of maintenance you can do yourself at home.
This one is pretty easy and straight forward.
Antifreeze/coolant drain and fill service.
(The quick and easy method, only replaces about 40% of the vehicles coolant capacity) Part1
Toyota OEM pink Antifreeze/Coolant:
Part number# 00272-SLLC2
tinyurl.com/2cueb59w
Spill free Antifreeze/Coolant Funnel set:
tinyurl.com/3kzdxjrm
1/4” Rubber Hose :
tinyurl.com/tz84kaf5
Check out some of my must haves, on my Amazon store:
www.amazon.com/shop/vikingsga...
Thank you for watching!
Bonus Footage (TRD Radiator Cap)
The cap increases the pressure of your cooling system from stock 1.1 bar to the labelled 1.3 bar of pressure. What does this do? It helps increase the efficiency of your cooling system. In your system there are bubbles of air which insulate rather than transfer heat like water does. When you increase the pressure in the cooling system you make these bubbles smaller and increase the amount of water touching the hot stuff, to put it simply.
This increased pressure can be a problem though, because all the components in your cooling system need to be up to handling the increased pressure. Lots of times, especially in older trucks like ours, a heater core or a hose or whatever won't like the increased pressure (50% higher!) and will leak.
Honestly, I think there are probably better ways to help increase our cooling efficiency without putting other components at risk.
Redline Watter Wetter is designed to do all the above (increased surface area/decreased surface tension) as well as add extra corrosion protection and extra pH protection without raising the operating pressures like this TRD cap would.
#toyotanation #carrepairs #4runner #trdpro #trdoffroad #diy

[@silverrunner8687]

Another great video! Keep em coming... Just ordered a Matco funnel, just one note part number was updated: PART NO. SFF2LB Look forward to adding this procedure to the maintenance routine. 👍🏻

[@VikingsGarage]

Awesome!! 👍🏻

[@Mully410]

Thanks you for this video. I gave up doing my own maintenance decades ago but you made this look so easy I tried it myself. Didn’t even have to take off the factory skid on my 2916 Trail. ❤

[@VikingsGarage]

That brings me joy to hear. Well done Sir!

[@deathwrenchcustom]

I can't be the only one that wants to make a clean cutout in the plastic cover for the radiator cap. Not because it's hard to take the plastic rivets out, but just because I would like to be able to glance at the cap every time I'm under the hood.

[@gortiz9928]

Your maintenance videos are very much appreciated.

[@VikingsGarage]

Your very welcome, It makes my day to know I might be helping someone out there achieve this small but crucial tasks. Happy holidays and a merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@thomasrosborn]

Your videos are so helpful!! Thank you and keep them coming!

[@VikingsGarage]

🙏🏻 I appreciate you, Thank you!!

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Well said advice re trd radiator cap!! As always love your videos and appreciate all of them!! Thanks.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@NigelBallard]

Another great video, I'm getting the parts together right now. I got this!

[@VikingsGarage]

You sure do 💪🏻 Good luck!!! Thank you for watching!

[@richardschulz7779]

I'm a seasoned mechanic of 30+ years. I like this new thing with Google It and you Sir, by far make the best how to videos I've ever seen. I never ever left a comment but I was so extremely impressed with your style. Very thorough, to the point, no BS to waste time. Thank you for doing what you do. Life is good and mine just got better with your helpful hints and discovering your channel. God bless to you and yours.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank You so much for your kind words. I really appreciate that!! 🙏🏻

[@Thankyou_3]

Awesome video and very good do and don’t tips. Thanks brother!

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it 👍🏻

[@504SPANK]

Thank you 🙏 for the wonderful, and valuable information… Keep up the good work 👍

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you! Will do! My pleasure. 😉

[@oc91five]

Thankyou, for posting this.

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it! 👍🏻

[@bradyakubovic2550]

Great video! Nice and simple.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you!!

[@WesternRAM]

I bought a used 2019 Barcelona red 4Runner trd off road last week! 5 year mark hits in 2024… thanks for the coolant change video! I’ll follow this guide come the month of January!

[@VikingsGarage]

👏🏻👏🏻 Congrats on your new ride!!

[@ewash253]

I change my oil every 5k miles so I'll be doing my coolant change every 4th or 5th time. Thanks for the great video!

[@VikingsGarage]

Your welcome!!

[@ThatRed4Runner]

Awesome video man!

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you Sir!!

[@CWJonesAO]

Just dropped in to thank you. Just changed the coolant on my 4Runner with no issues at all. I was a little worried that I had 40oz or so in the funnel when the bubbles stopped but it all fit in the reservoir like you mentioned.

[@VikingsGarage]

Absolutely Sir!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@BradleyRayMilner]

Great video!

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you 💪🏻

[@CrazyCranker]

I remember back in the day Preston use to make a handy back flush kit. It looks like something they should bring back. :)

[@VikingsGarage]

Interesting!!

[@imranabbasi7871]

Thank you 😊

[@leesk86]

Thank for explain trd cap detail

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it! Thank you for the support!!

[@p.k.808]

Your awesome!! I will do mines too.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you, you got this!!

[@miguelantoniocoutochao4140]

Thank you very much!

[@VikingsGarage]

👍🏻

[@racerx7057]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@VikingsGarage]

You're welcome!

[@mattfredericks5999]

Another awesome diy from the Viking. I'm always a bit hesitant to start these jobs but love the satisfaction of completion. Thanks again. PS when are the Viking garage shirts going to be released. Gotta support the KZbin 4runner mechanic 💪

[@VikingsGarage]

You can do it. 💪🏻 Very soon my friend, I’m working on the design!! I appreciate your support!!

[@evelynperez7576]

Nice looks so eazy

[@VikingsGarage]

It is, very!!

[@normankeller1975]

Great video 👍🏻👍🏻, can you do power steering fluid ?

[@VikingsGarage]

It’s one of the future episodes. 😉 stay tuned!!

[@tomc8115]

Great info. Thank you. What should the coolant level read in the overflow reservoir?

[@VikingsGarage]

I’m assuming you’re asking, once the flush has been done ?? Should be left between low and full.

[@caseyjames5412]

Great video man! Pro tip, pop your thermostat housing off and remove your thermostat to get the remainder of the coolant out of your engine block and heater core. I got about 2 gallons worth of coolant flushed when i did my service. Even used a shop vac at the radiator cap to push even more old coolant out of the system. Dont forget to purge the old fluid out of the reservoir as well. The more old stuff you get out, the longer the new coolant will stay nice.

[@VikingsGarage]

Good tips, I do try to keep these maintenance videos simple for a beginner to tackle. Your tips are indeed very useful also. I did the Thermostat off camera. My wife says I should have included it. I believe she’s right. I appreciate your continuous support!

[@caseyjames5412]

@@VikingsGarage I completely understand. Thanks for the informative and entertaining content!

[@VikingsGarage]

😜🙏🏻

[@GG-un5wk]

Hello, so I’m going to need 2 gallons instead of one right? Also is there a video of how to remove the thermostat housing on 4Runner 5th generation? Thank you

[@VikingsGarage]

If you plan on changing the thermostat, yes, No videos on changing it, it’s super simple. Believe me!!

[@jakubgruszczynski4069]

Awesome video Viking. But man, you gotta do something about that rust on your truck's frame.....Good Luck!

[@VikingsGarage]

Im on it!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@davidvasta]

Thanks for the video....get the rust under control. Save that car.

[@VikingsGarage]

Absolutely!! 🙏🏻

[@joesphmarzella1936]

Thank you for the great video. Quick question. Should I drain the block drain to get the rest of the coolant out ? Will I have a hard time getting all the bubbles out . Thank you in advance for your reply!

[@VikingsGarage]

It’s all up to you, bleeding process is the exact same, you will need more coolant than what I stated.

[@johnshipps441]

Great vid! Do you recommend doing the full flush and draining the engine block too? Do you flush distilled water through it too? Or, do you always just stick with the 1 gal out / 1 gal in?

[@VikingsGarage]

Correct, 1 Gallon out, 1 Gallon in. That’s it.

[@gringito84]

Thanks for this! What kind of fog lights do you have on your 4Runner?

[@VikingsGarage]

They are OEM led fog lights part # PT413-42191

[@big659]

As always I love your videos. Is there ever a need to put a mesh screen in front of the radiator? I ask this because I plan to keep my 4Runner a very long time!

[@VikingsGarage]

I’ve seen it done but it’s totally up to you. I’m yet to see anyone come in with damage there from debris. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@big659]

@@VikingsGarage thank you

[@adamdelre2855]

Great video!! What years does this video apply to? I have a 2011 4Runner limited.

[@VikingsGarage]

Just about all of the years 4runner models.

[@radoo2341]

Is it the same amount of coolant is you have a transmission cooler installed?

[@GG-un5wk]

Hey there, thank you for the video. Will that radiator cap fit 2020 4runner sr5? Thx

[@VikingsGarage]

It sure will. 👍🏻

[@project_poor_runner]

Knocking mine out tomorrow at 60k miles on a 2018

[@VikingsGarage]

👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@Dennis_is_Outside]

You should also drain old coolant from the drains on each side of the engine block. Accessible from the front wheel wells.

[@VikingsGarage]

🤦🏼‍♂️ Yes I know!! This was meant to be a beginners/ easy and quick drain and fill. I think it’s probably time that I do that method so people put this to rest already.

[@efil4kizum]

how about a TIME interval to do? some folks it Might take 6 years to put on 30k miles!?? does that Yota Pink coolant degrade from time elapsed sitting around?

[@ManuelGarcia-ui9zc]

Hi from miami nice video and very instructive but one question what is the difference between the oem cap and the trd,does really help you with the system cooling for the truck ?

[@VikingsGarage]

It’s got a lower boiling point, it’s useless in our application. Unless you’re using it on a race car. I appreciate you watching!!

[@ManuelGarcia-ui9zc]

@@VikingsGarage thank you video 😊🙏💪💪

[@crbourret]

Have you had to replace your water pump on the 4Runner? My 2018 with 67k on it is weeping coolant and I'm considering replacing it this weekend.

[@VikingsGarage]

My water pump at 178k is the original one. Never replaced. Dam at 67k , that’s pre-mature failure. Sorry to hear.

[@ldawgy1]

Thanks for the video! Do you typically just do more frequent coolant changes rather than a flush?

[@VikingsGarage]

Correct!! I drain and fill my coolant every 30k. It’s sufficient that way.

[@efil4kizum]

@@VikingsGarage how about a TIME to do? some folks it Might take 6 years to put on 30k miles!??

[@mujtaballa3105]

Hey man you recommend doing this a few times? Obviously it takes close to 11 gallons so is only taking out 1 gallon isn’t going to do much, right? Appreciate your videos man!!

[@mujtaballa3105]

To clarify, can you please make a video about how to do the thermostat way or engine block? Maybe a part 2? Thank you again

[@VikingsGarage]

I will probably work on something like that in the future. The reason why I do it that way is because I do it every 30k miles, which is very premature.

[@alexma6956]

Should we drain coolant from the engine too? Looks like this will partially mix the new coolant into the system.

[@deedle6073]

You can just do this procedure twice with 2 gallons, that way the coolant in the engine will mix and you will get more thorough flush. You can also run distilled water first, but that will dilute the final mixture at the end.

[@love4steel]

Great job I appreciate this. I wonder, if I do this every 30k miles.. can I skip ever doing a complete flush?

[@VikingsGarage]

I don’t see why not, I think it’s smart to do it that way. (Plus easy to remember when you got to do it next time) 😉👍🏻

[@love4steel]

@@VikingsGarage the way I see it, flush is to remove bad coolant.. but if you begin doing this at 30k, there will never be any bad coolant!

[@VikingsGarage]

👏🏻

[@imtherealjoeyd]

I may have missed it. Did you say your recommended time/milage interval to change the coolant?

[@VikingsGarage]

Every 60k miles

[@slopemaster9770]

One last question and I’ll leave you alone. You stated in the video that we only need 1 gallon, but the owners manual says the coolant capacity is 11.1 quarts. I’ve heard it’s important to replace coolant because it turns acidic and can cause damage. So by draining and filling just a gallon, is this enough to prevent adverse effects of old coolant? Thank you for your time.

[@VikingsGarage]

That’s exactly why I do it every 30k . Instead of every 100k.

[@slopemaster9770]

Thank you for another great video. I have one question, some vehicles have a bleeder port on the engine block to ensure there is no trapped air in the coolant system. It appears from your video that the 4Runner doesn’t. Correct? Not having to deal with a bleeder port during a coolant change sounds good to me. Thanks

[@VikingsGarage]

No bleeders here, it’s as easy as it looks. I promise , I appreciate your support!! 👍🏻

[@slopemaster9770]

Thank you for the quick reply. You made my day demonstrating how easy the coolant change is on a 5th gen 4Runner. My will be due next year at the 5 year mark and I was concerned about having to bleed the system. Thanks again and keep them coming. :)

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it!! 🙏🏻

[@andrewcrane3489]

There is a drain port on the passenger side of the block that can be accessed from the wheel well. You can bleed out another gallon of coolant there.

[@Montecarloken]

Hey man thanks for the great video. What if it's been 20 min and there's still bubbles coming up?

[@VikingsGarage]

Let it ran until you feel that there are no longer any more air trapped in the system. But even if there is a small amount the system will correct that, make sure to top off the reservoir a little bit. 👍🏻

[@Montecarloken]

@Vikings Garage I'm finishing this up now 😀 took about 30 min for the bubbles to stop. You're the man thanks!

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it!! 👍🏻 Thank you for your support!

[@nickjemus3066]

We had a shop do our 4 runner cooland flush and they forgot to put reservoir cap back on. Would this have caused any damage? Thanks in advance

[@VikingsGarage]

If driven for long, yes. You would loose coolant therefore it would overheat. If not overheated and spotting it in time… re-bleed the coolant and install a radiator cap. You should be fine!!

[@jidi3078]

If I do this method and wanted to dump my reservoir as well, would the extra left in the funnel still be enough?

[@VikingsGarage]

You are cutting it very close, I would advise you get 2 gallons then.

[@howie4853]

when draining the coolant will the coolant in the reservoir also drain out by itself?

[@VikingsGarage]

Not really, you can always undo the screw holding it and dump it out. Super easy to do.

[@erksworld]

Hey, I appreciate your video but something bothers me. I have a 2018 TRD Off Road Premium. The manual says that the coolant capacity is 1.1 quarts (2.775 gallons). Which means that if I do it your way, I'm replacing less than half of the coolant. I'm assuming in your case your only replacing the coolant in the radiator and the rest is in the engine block and heater core. I know there's a drain plug for the engine block (10mm bolt). Here's what's bothering me. Is there a way to drain the heater core so I can replace 100% of the coolant? Doh! Just figured it out. Put the ignition in auxiliary (don't start) and turn the heater on full. That will open up the valve. You were right, there is way!

[@VikingsGarage]

Where there’s a will there’s a way, I’m sure you can if it bothers you that much. I’m here to keep things simple. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@daytonite122]

Just had this done a few days ago and now my temp gauge is slightly fluctuating. Dealership says that’s normal with hard acceleration. Car never did that. What could be the cause? Air in the system?

[@VikingsGarage]

It could be some air trapped in the system. Try bleeding it again, confirm that hear is coming out the vents.

[@morfdq]

Doing trans drain and fill and coolant. Heading to dealership and plan on 3qts of WS, drain and fill crush washers and 1 gallon of coolant. Am I missing anything

[@VikingsGarage]

Sounds about right my friend. 👍🏻

[@morfdq]

Appreciate you!

[@jono7248]

Just curious, what's the mileage on that S2K?

[@VikingsGarage]

Sorry can’t reveal it until this Sunday, but you can try to guess it in the comments section of the last s2k video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-cgaZrmJuYfpI

[@seangould3664]

Anyone have the part number for the clips that cover the front of the bay?

[@efil4kizum]

good ???

[@4Runner21]

Got it, drain at bottom of radiator from butterfly nut, and pop off thermostat to flush out as much as possible. Are there any block drain procedures for this, or should most old fluid be able to be flushed with radiator drain and thermostat drain? Thank you!

[@VikingsGarage]

You get a good portion of, every block does have an additional drain. But often times hard to reach. Video was created with beginners in mind and keeping it simple and easy.

[@4Runner21]

@@VikingsGarage awesome man! Thank you for all your advice! Influencer’s like you are what these platforms should be all about!

[@VikingsGarage]

@4Runner21 I do agree with you!! I appreciate your support!! Thank you!

[@4Runner21]

@@VikingsGarage hey man! I’ve owned my 21 4Runner since she had 44K miles, and now at 51K miles. I have noticed every time I take the RPMs really high to give it a good Italian tune up, there is a nasty smell in the cabin likely from the burn off of something, that goes away after airing out / cracking a window and getting good air through the cabin, is this typical in these 4 Runners? We have a 13 RDX and doesn’t have that smell and also most other vehicles we have owned I don’t recall experiencing that.. thanks!

[@VikingsGarage]

I’m not sure, would have to check something like that in person.

[@countschad]

How do you drain the reservoir?

[@VikingsGarage]

You can just remove the bolts and disconnect the hose and just remove it to drain it out.

[@knight3131]

What was the size of the hose you attached. 3/8?

[@VikingsGarage]

Correct!! 10mm(3/8-inch)

[@comodice905]

Do 4runner come with engine block heaters pre-installed and just need to add cord. Or do you have to install block heater

[@VikingsGarage]

Must install, does not come with one.

[@comodice905]

@@VikingsGarage thanks bro

[@VikingsGarage]

👍🏻

[@MrAlbertbobby]

The OCD in me wants to spray something on that frame rust.

[@VikingsGarage]

😅

[@youssbaraki]

Don't you need to drain the engine block from the coolant that's in it? You'll need 2 galon to fill back the system by draining the radiator and the engine block. It would be better to have more fresh coolant in the system

[@VikingsGarage]

Not if you do it every 30k miles. Hey at the end of the day you’re welcome to do what makes you happy. 👍🏻

[@youssbaraki]

@@VikingsGarage Thank you for your reply with the clarification about this extra step 😎

[@VikingsGarage]

@youssbaraki no worries, I’m always here to help.

[@radoo2341]

I saw guys emptying the block engine coolant. Is there a reason you didn't do it as well?

[@VikingsGarage]

This video is meant for the diy quick service at home. Do we need to complicate things?? How do you suggest we show that to the average Joe, to do in his driveway SIR??

[@radoo2341]

@@VikingsGarage I was asking trying to find out the reason, I didn't blame you of not doing it. On a different channel I saw the process of draining both super easy, so nothing complicated.

[@mendoblendo321]

​@VikingsGarage it's not complicated dude, the man asked a simple question.

[@Papolucho702]

I’m visually impaired but can work on maintenance but where is that valve to drain the fluid? I’ve tried looking for it on mine but can’t seem to identify it

[@VikingsGarage]

Look on the bottom of the radiator,passenger side of the vehicle

[@Papolucho702]

Thank you! Now I have a follow up question, what tube do I get to plug into to that valve so I don’t have to take off that skid plate I hate taking it off lol

[@Papolucho702]

Oh I found it in description! Perfect!

[@VikingsGarage]

There’s a link in the description Sir for it.

[@anthonyviscusi4042]

Do you have to empty the coolant from the engine block?

[@VikingsGarage]

You can, if you choose too. The drain plug is in the back of the block. You will need 2 gallons instead.

[@anthonyviscusi4042]

@@VikingsGarage Is it necessary to do?

[@VikingsGarage]

It all depends what your trying to accomplish my friend.

[@darthtater6543]

I’m gonna use these gloves because coolant is toxic… ***Doesnt use Gloves*** 😂

[@VikingsGarage]

Yup 😅💪🏻

[@jordstone50]

In the manual I’m pretty sure it says the 4Runner holds 12 quarts of coolant. Why does it only take one gallon?

[@VikingsGarage]

Simple drain and fill of the radiator Sir… it’s not a complete system flush.

[@efil4kizum]

@@VikingsGarage i wish the tacoma 5VZFE only took 1 gallon LOL... my old rig takes 2 gallons of the Pink in that radiator... Gen2 Taco only takes 1 gallon! current MSRP on a gallon of Toyota Pink is 30$ ... bless the discounter online genuine parts department that you can get it shipped for about 15$ per gallon (on special sales events) to do this d+f maintenance once per year before the winter cometh

[@dragonflymoxie5646]

This method won’t drain the heater core, no?

[@VikingsGarage]

Correct

[@erksworld]

It won't drain the heater core OR all the old coolant in the engine block!@@VikingsGarage

[@VikingsGarage]

Yes, I’m fully aware.👍🏻

[@michaelmedina4413]

Oh no, toddler might be competitive.

[@VikingsGarage]

Lol, they sure are a hand full.

[@joeterry3891]

It says that the cooling system takes 11 quarts of oil by only using 1 gallon of antifreeze. Your only draining a third of it.

[@VikingsGarage]

I’m sorry, 11 quarts of oil ??? Never once did I say we were draining the entire system. These are tips and tricks you can do at home. Comments like these are the main reason why I haven’t been sharing my tricks, nobody else’s. My tips and tricks. I’m not here to impress you or to be the most analytic and to the T KZbinr out there, but hey why don’t you share your tips and tricks. 🤔

[@joeterry3891]

@@VikingsGarage so how often do you do it with only draining the radiator

[@VikingsGarage]

Every 30,000 miles, at 180k now . Zero issues. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@C_Flow]

Guess you didn't need the gloves after all 🤣

[@VikingsGarage]

🤦🏼‍♂️ Busted!! 🤣

[@Hugh_Jaynus_00]

As long as you have them…you are good to go. No need to wear them. I would do the same.

[@VikingsGarage]

In the heat of the moment most of us just want to get the job accomplished. I know I’m not that popular but people do watch these videos, glycol Is no joke. Just really wanted to drive that one home. I appreciate you guys watching !!

[@rolandoleybag8577]

👍👍👍👋👋👋💯💯🇨🇦

[@VikingsGarage]

You got it!

[@albeklik8055]

So you're not going to drain the block you going to do the job halfway😢

[@VikingsGarage]

Hence why I do it every 30k miles. It’s intended for a simple and easy to follow process.

[@deathwrenchcustom]

Man! Who welded your TRD skid plate? A third grader?

[@JasioClass77]

Vikings B.S. He forgot to drain coolant from engine block.

[@VikingsGarage]

I didn’t forget, I didn’t drain it on purpose. This is a quick and easy way to drain a portion of the coolant. I do this every 30,000 miles. That drain plug in the block is not easily accessible by your average joe. 😉

[@thisthat5874]

How many miles should u do these

[@VikingsGarage]

Every 90k miles

[@neilmiller6405]

Thought you said every 30k?

[@VikingsGarage]

I do it every 30k , Toyota wants you to stretch it a bit longer then that 😉😅

[@neilmiller6405]

Got it thanks. Nice job and simple!

[@efil4kizum]

@@VikingsGarage and that is because of the cost involved having the dealershop do it, which can run into nearly 300$ nowdays, increasing the cost-of-ownership on that vehicle... especially if the full system takes 3 gallons at MSRP of 30$ per gallon they will ticket you for