[Mk2] [NA] Coolant change advice

[GaryJ]

Hi all, after checking my coolant level the expansion tank is near completely empty and upon inspection of the coolant under the filler cap its all brown and murky looking.

Now I lightly grip the coolant pipe going to the engine and the coolant thats there isn't dirty or red/green its kinda clear like water which has got me worried with winter soon.

I've already been to the toyota garage and they can change it for 84.95 under their loyaty club scheme including the coolant which I was told I need 8-9 litres. I'm awaiting a call back from a local garage who said he done it a few times before so they could be cheeper.

Any thoughts on should I get this drained and replaced?

[dazzz]

Do it yourself mate. It's easy. Then you'll know what to do when your radiator bursts.

[GaryJ]

I would love to give it a go but I'm basically a newbie when it comes to stuff like this and given the nature of the mr2 I don't think its the best car to try it on for a first timer.

I also don't have the service hoses that are supposed to be with the car when one does a coolant change.

Kinda my own fault in a way believing the word of the "mechanic" that owned it before me and said he had done it recently. I was abit lazy with maintainance with my Honda Prelude and did the coolant done once in 4 years owning the car and the coolant never went bad like it has with this mr2

[foxy-stoat]

http://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk2/ ... ement.html

Guide to replacing the rad, you can easily flush the system yourself if you undo the bottom rad drain screw, flush with clean water until the rad runs clear, refill and bleed the system properly.

While your at it, you could replace the thermostate too.

[RST]

I didn't have the service hoses when I did my thermostat change. I just used some hose pipe which the workshop had and botched the connections with electrical tape. Must have worked as the car was fine after. I'm pretty sure if I'd thought beforehand that fuel hose Halfords sell will attach to the bleed valve in the front boot OK (I was away from home when my thermostat went so didn't have any handy).

[Ste2]

they can change it for 84.95 under their loyaty club scheme including the coolant which I was told I need 8-9 litres.

Assuming they do a proper job, thats not too bad a price.

If I were you, I would just top up with some anti-freeze stop it and wait for warmer weather to DIY it.

[sjm1984]

I'm sure the mr2 takes 13 litres of coolant? or is that for the tubby only?

Where are you located GaryJ?

Maybe some helpgful members on here that live near by would help you with this?

[jimGTS]

just need some clear hoses from B&Q

[ryan]

To do this job properly, you need to get under the middle of the car and take off the undertrays, a right pan in the ass if you dont have ramps or a pit! I just had mine done by a MR2 specialist, mine took nearly 10 litres. Youre meant to use the Forelife red (not the pink or green), so you will need two 5litre cans about 35 quid I think

[GaryJ]

Rather then start a new topic I thought i'll bump this one as its still related to what I'am about to ask.

After reading the guides I don't feel I have the confidence to do the coolant change myself (Be first time trying a coolant change) tho I topped the system up and it survived the winter fine.

I've already bought the red 2x5 litres coolant from toyota and recently got a new thermostat as the temp gauge never sits in the middle. Its always below half and moves down when driving I thought this was normal till i researched it via this fourm.

I've contacted a few garage's in my local area and they either don't wanna know, want to charge way more then the toyota quote i posted earlier or they can't estimate how long it will take them so basically they want a blank cheque to charge what they like.

If anybody can reccommend a good mr2 garage/specialist in the south wales area please let me know.

Will PM you ryan as you just had the work done yourself and are in south wales area also.