Advice - servicing Hilux Cooling Systems

[ToyLux90]

Hey Guys,

I'll be giving the hilux (1990 SR5) cooling system a complete service this weekend, I'm was after some info from anyone who has done this before anything i should look out for while I'm doing this???

All the hoses and belts will be replace etc... But i been told to change the heater hoses as well but I'm a bit uneasy about pulling hoses of the engine without knowing what they are......

Any infomation would be great.

Cheers

James

[FourXfouR]

Im not sure exactly what you want to know, if its a diesel, the heater hoses run from the firewall, through a heater tap ( this will probably break when you remove the hoses ) then run into a metal pipe which runs along the drivers side of the rocker cover. Then back to rubber and join up around the front of the engine. They are generally overlooked and should be changed if they look/feel perished.

[50-HQT]

howcome you are changing hoses? Unless you can see corrosion, rub marks or leaks on the hoses, i wouldn't remove any. Especially A/C hose, there's a fair bit of pressure and gas there man.
I dont know much about coolant hoses but i wouldnt tamper with ur a/c hoses unless you know what you're doing

[FourXfouR]

He didnt mention AC hoses?

[ToyLux90]

Cheers guys for your reply's but I was after how to change the heater hoses I have the manual for it but it hardly has anything on how to change the hoses...

[FourXfouR]

they are no different to changing a radiator hose, theyre just smaller in diameter. As I said previously, you will probably break the heater tap whilst doing it as they are only plastic and become brittle.

[ToyLux90]

Cheers Guys for all your help

[v6XtraHilux]

The AC hoses have crimped high pressure fittings connected to metal tubes, so they cant be removed without cutting the hoses!

Have you had the radiator core flushed and cleaned? Best bet is to soak in a big tub for a few days, remove the top and bottom plastic headers and using a flat rod of the correct size width and thickness, push thru the little tubes running top to bottom, or u can get ur local radiator shop to do it for about $100. Have you checked the thermostat (known to be the biggest bug-bear of hilux cooling systems)? And the water pump and seals? Mb time to replace the whole lot if they havent been done in ages.

My 03 lux was overheating in 05, and had to get the radiator core cleaned, then my water pump and seals were stuffed (probably from getting too hot), after all this done, it runs like a dream and doesnt over-heat....fingers crossed now I havent jinxed myself!!

[Lux Wrecker]

hoses are no problem you can get Terrain Tamer hose kits for radiator & heater hoses which include hose clamps. If your old hoses are hard to remove use a sharp stanley knife to cut along the hose where it is stuck then you can peel back the hose and remove it easier.

One thing to look out for on the diesel L,2L & 3L engine is corrosion on the outlet for lower radiator hose if this is corroded its a major job to replace it as it is part of the whole timing cover assembly.

However it can be repaired there is a brass insert which can be glued into the outlet allowing you to put the hose on as normal. Part number is KC41, I have used this on 2 of my hilux's and have had no problems. The Hilux I currently have was missing the whole top half of th outlet.

[DBY]

My suggestion use Genuine Toyota Coolant replace the thermostat and thermo housing if it has any corrosion use demineralized water (can get this from coles or woolies) to mix with Gen coolant concentrate while you have everything apart and while you are forking out for new coolant, nothing worse than having to drop the coolant again a couple of weeks later for shortcutting.

[ferremit]

Depends on what coolant is in it already- if its running green tectaloy, stay with green tectaloy, if its red toyota, stay with red toyota.

WORST thing you can do is switch between em... when i swapped my hilux from toyota genuine to Tectaloy, i got the radiator cleaned at the same time, and 2 months later had to get it done again because it was 80% blocked by a white goo that formed when the residual red coolant in the engine (you can NEVER get it all out) reacted with the green.

[OM617isbest]

You don't need to change hoses unless they are seriously damaged. They should last 10 to 20 years or more. Also use demineralised water ( stops mineral build up) and not too much glycol as it can cause corrosion. I rinse out my system over a week or more every couple of days. You could also try Redline Diesel water wetter.