What is the process for fill the coolant?

Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
Am filling up the radiator with coolant. Using the red one. The lower radiator hose had come loose and looks like if all the coolant drained out. What is the process to fill up the coolant? Do I have to fill up and turn engine on? How about the reservoir container?
Saturday, November 13th, 2021 AT 6:16 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,911 POSTS
Hi,

After replacing the hose, first fill the radiator with coolant slowly, replace the radiator cap, and then fill the reservoir to the full mark. Next, turn the heater on high and start the engine. Allow it to reach operating temperature and make sure the heater is producing heat.

If you look at the pics below, they are from my manual explaining how to drain and fill the engine coolant. These directions are specific to your vehicle.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
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First, before filling up the radiator with coolant, should I turn on the heater or not?
Secondly, when filling the radiator with coolant, should I leave the cap off the radiator, so the air bubbles or air exit stay the system?
And thirdly, when do I stop filling up the radiator?
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 1:49 AM
Tiny
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Removed the thermostat housing and noticed a lot of crud inside the housing and around the thermostat. Has the consistency of mud. What could this be. Now, when removing the housing, the thermostat was stuck to it also.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

When coolant and motor oil mix, it creates something like you described. Take a look at pic 1 below. That is an oil cap showing what the oil looks like when contamination exists. Is that what you are seeing? Also, could you take a pic and upload it for me to see?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
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Here are the Pics. The first. Two pics are the "sludge" build-up.
Now, the third pic, the highlighted object had no connections. Should there be something connected to it like a sensor?
The fourth. Pic is the same as the third. Without the highlighted marking.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
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The pic below shows the other end of the thermostat housing that connects to the lower radiator hose. It also has some sludge in it.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
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Sorry, forgot to upload pic in last reply.
Other end of thermostat housing with sludge build-up as well.
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are fine. It may be a good idea to flush the cooling system while you have it apart. What you are seeing is simply due to age and use. I was a bit worried at first. LOL

As far as pic 3, no sensor goes there. That simply looks like a place something was supported to such as wiring. No worries.

Here is a link that shows how to flush the cooling system. If possible, do this while you have it apart.

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

Please feel free to ask any questions you have. I goal is to get you back on the road as easily and inexpensively as possible.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, November 14th, 2021 AT 8:12 PM

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