ok so ive scanned thru this this thread and got some good info but im a lil confused on my order of flushing/ radiator swap.

heres what happened. i bought a ****ty ebay rad for my 03 6mt, bolted it in, topped it off with toyota red. recently before doing.my spacers install, i had no heat so i drained out all the red((or as i thought)), replaced w a 50/50 mix and sealed my system. fixed my heat issue.

done my nwp spacers the next day, while i was inthere i discovered a nasty fluid around the edges of my reservoir. i opened the radiator cap, looked like a gallon or red baby shiit in my radiator. i havent drove the car since.

ordered a koyo rad and new cap. now heres my question. how can i be sure to get all the old crap out of my motor? i dont want to do the distilled water deal. think i can toss the shot radiator put the new.one in , add good fluid and be safe?
any good advice woukd be appreciated!!

 

and yes the gunk is from mixing two different fluids. i guess i really need to know how i can grt that stuff out be4 i put the koyo in??

 

LOL.

You got a picture?

Water would be the best method. YOu don't have to use distilled water, just use tap water a few times, then install you KOYO.

After that get some distilled water if you're that concerned about it. To my knowledge, Toyota coolant needs dilution anyhow.

Basically run the tap water in your system a few times while draining and flushing your system, then install the KOYO. That's what I'd do.

I'd monitor it too.

 

If you really did read the important info on this thread, you know that:
- after completely flushing out your cooling system with water (distilled is best and not that expensive),
- when you drain the last water flush out of the radiator,
- then the water that remains in the system will give you almost a perfect 50/50 blend when you add full strength antifreeze.

If you only add a 50/50 blend at that point you will only have a 25/75 mix of antifreeze and water - not good.

When I went shopping for antifreeze about a year ago (only use Jap antifreeze), the Honda people only sold a pre-mixed 50/50 blend. The Toyota antifreeze here was about $2.50 a gallon cheaper than the Nissan, so I bought it.

Good luck.

 

I just did a radiator in my 5.5 auto. Probably the easiest one I have ever done

I grabbed anti freeze and new radiator hoses from Nissan along with all new radiator upper mounts since I was going to be there messing with them anyways

I work at a Benz dealer and I have seen what happens to cars when people try to save 2 or 3 bucks. My opinion try to use oem fluids from the dealers it is a safer bet then saving a couple bucks and finding out something did damage

 

IMHO, the major Jap car companies have the same company in Japan make their branded antifreeze. The only difference is the color of the fluid. So you are safe using Toyota antifreeze in a Nissan. (I have now for about 1.5 years and almost 20 K miles.)

Looks like Honda has gone to only selling a pre-mix 50-50 blend, so stay away from that if you use the flush system advocated on this thread.

 

I have a 2003 maxima with the 3.5 motor and I use Green Prestone mixed it 50/50 with distilled water, $13.00 at Walmart or $14.00 at Auto Zone.


The 3.0 motor should be green too, but I would call the dealership service to confirm because that's what I did before I did mine to be safe.

 

I read all this thread and learned alot. Flushing the coolant isn't as hard as it seems but it takes a minute.... so here's a step by step guide to simplify the process(on a 4th gen)

1.read this thread

Attachment 6400
2.gather everything you need; 8 gallons of distilled water, nissan green/toyota red 1 gal,phillips screwdriver, oil drain pan 1 gal,
half cup ground coffee, new overflow reservoir tank hose,

Attachment 6402
3.open plug at bottom of car, there's a hole in the center of the splash guard towards driver side and the plug is made of plastic
so be careful not to strip it with the screwdriver, there should also be a rubber ring on it (so look for it) .
Attachment 6406

4.let drain for 15 min,open radiator cap for better flow

5.while your'e waiting, Disconnect overflow reservoir tank and clean.
use a half cup of ground coffee and a little warm water, shake
thoroughly, this will help remove at least some of the dirt.

6.reinstall reservoir tank and also change its hose as it's probably worn.

7.close plug

8.pour distilled water straight into radiator(not into overflow tank) until its full, it should be filled to the top

Attachment 6403
9.start car, leave radiator cap open for air bubbles to come out,let heat for 5-10 min until radiator is hot(carefully, touch to see if hot)
do not rely on temp gauge, standby so car doesn't overheat!.

10.turn off engine, let cool for 30-40 min

11.open drain plug, let drain

12.repeat for 8 times or until water comes out clear
Attachment 6405
13.put all the dirty water and old coolant in the water jugs

14. pour concentrated coolant into radiator until it's full

15.start car, let idle for 15 min then top off with water

16.you should have leftover coolant in the jug, because the car holds about 9 qt and as you drain a little less than a gallon each time your block should
hold a little over 5 qt, which means that you can put a little over 3 qt of coolant(most of the concentrated coolant),
mix your leftover coolant with water to make a 50/50 mix then pour it into the reservoir tank.

feel free to correct me and add info.

 

Toyota antifreeze here's $30 plus tax but I asked the guy and he said it made in USA not in the Japan.

 

another old thread revival? better than a six year old one though i suppose

 

I would not use Toyota.