Does coolant have to be drained?

I noticed a puddle of liquid underneath my 4runner. After investigation, I saw that my radiator hose was leaking. Do I have to drain the coolant to work on the hose?

 

Not really. I've put a basin under the car, and removed that hose and some drains but not much being as that is at about the highest point of the cooling system.

 

No, but if the coolant is in need of change, now would be a good time. Also remember to burp the system.

 

Thank you. I am going to let my engine rest for 24 hours before I attempt and thank you for reminding me to burp radiator.

 

I am going to replace the clamps, should i also replace hose at same time?

 

If you're going to replace the clamps, definately use similar type clamps from Toyota. Those type clamps work much better than the screw-down kind available at part's stores. As long as you're in there, replace the hoses, which are probably the culprit of the leakage any way. The hoses only last so long. If the hose is stuck to it's connection, like it won't come off, cut the hose carefully long way along the connection. Don't cut all the way through the hose, as that may damage it's connecting point. Just cut into it, and peel it back. If you have trouble getting the new hose to go on, just use a little silicon dielectric grease, and it'll slide right on easily.

Absolutely remember to burp the system, including the heater cores. If there's a rear heater, ensure to set the front AND rear to max heat to bleed out any air that may be in there. If you're going to change out the coolant, flush the system out as long as you're in there and doing. You don't HAVE to use a chemical flush, but they sure don't hurt.

Once the system is flushed, and runs clean and clear after running the truck for about 30 minutes, drain it completely, and use Toyota Red, mixed 50/50 with distilled water, or the Toyota Pink, which is already mixed. I presume you know the best way to drain and burp out the system.

Be careful pulling the radiator bottom hose. It's real easy to get a faceful of coolant! Not that that ever happened to me...<ahem>

Have fun!
Pat☺

 

Good thing the 3400 is super forgiving. I've never had to burp it. Just run it and fill to the top.

Btw, these changed my life and I HATE screw clamps now:

$8 Professional Hose Clamp Pliers Repair Tool Swivel Flat Band for Removal and Installation of Ring-Type or Flat-Band Hose Clamps

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Removal-Installation-Ring-Type-Flat-Band/dp/B07RTQV4F1?crid=G7DWQLKJLLZR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r1oY-dbbkfNpblzxMWkY7WtiiGCYuGvpKX86J4TjiajIQZpXE0_Dsnpsq5jmaJ4oSNxMbjKcTw01YvjPaeemw52W7kkQtaCmEm_LR5nqannI3cAQpBmP9dtkHxdfea1_zjB6BsfWyaB43JODYV_pIrT1Gws8nCc5kn4vWp0kd-KoiUsGggJSY0XwE2U0hGimO3b9cXbnzlvNy11fye2FBrZ3WOd_l32iN5VEDL1I9mZjkL3ZEJAmG9Gk7_hr0Ro2F3T_KMBp9O3bpLTb0XfG38D6HcON-vWQM2f9_3bkzWw.qgpcru4TSbU2IzFgDid_F20BcHemYFgyyyZta44GWTw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Hose+Clamp+Pliers&qid=1708982186&s=hi&sprefix=hose+clamp+pliers+%2Ctools%2C359&sr=1-5&th=1

Don't replace the clamps they are not a wear item.

 

Thank you all for you feed back. I will be doing the replacement tomorrow.

 

One more question. Should the hoses and clamps be OEM?

 

Hoses you can get away with after market. Make sure that the after market hose is meant for the job your using it for, obviously a vacuum hose is a terrible fuel hose for example. Some Toyota hoses can't be bought by themselves, like the power steering return line (which sucks because the OE one is way thicker than any replacement one). I don't think that particular hose is much more expensive than an aftermarket one.

The clamps I'd say to stick with Toyota whenever possible, the spring style allows the clamp to widen a bit as the hose warms up. Never ever use those worm clamps, they don't do this.

 

The Toyota hoses are molded to perfectly fit. The aftermarket will work but will not be a perfect fit. I used Gates brand once and had to bend them in place a bit but replaced them at the next radiator change with OEM.

Just reuse the clamps. The ones Toyota uses last forever.