3rd Gen V6 Coolant Hose replacement options / DIY

Hey all, was considering replacing all of my coolant hoses when I replace the coolant at 100K, figured the truck (2018) will be nearly six years old by that point, makes sense as I've done this for preventative measures with other vehicles at the 100K change. For the life of me I can't find any videos or write ups on the process, the below company (HPS) makes a nice silicone hose set that includes clamps. I've never seen so many hoses on an engine before and was wondering if anyone has any tips or recommendations for the process including burping the fluid once done. I hear these engines are particular about that and it's tough to get any air out. Has anyone done this, used HPS's hose kit, or have any good or bad thoughts on the process in general? Things to stay away from, things to remove to make certain hoses easier to get to maybe? Thanks.




https://hpsperformanceproducts.com/...eater-coolant-hose-kit-toyota-16-17-tacoma-v6

 

I don't know if I'll convince you not to do it but in my experience, I've never seen a hose leak so early. Even at 20 years old I've seen original hoses look and operate just fine. If they start to leak it'll be slow anyway and obvious with pink crystals. Hoses are easy to replace so I only do them if needed. Just thought I'd share my experience.

 

Friends - Thank you, I think that's solid advice and honestly I am a fan of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The last thing I'd want is after flushing and replacing the coolant, have to do it all over just to replace one hose, then since whatever genius engineer designed these engines decided to place 13 .... is it hoses all together in the whole system, you do one, why not do the rest. I do think your thinking is right on, just leave it be and replace the coolant when the time is right.

 

Wow killer kit . I should consider this kit. I'm at 200k ish miles

 

Now if you said you want to do it because you like the colored hoses, that would be more par for the course here on Tacomaworld. Nothing wrong with that.

 

That kit really isn't priced bad for silicone hoses and the amazing number of them on the truck.

Kind of related: 2 years ago I replaced the heater hoses on my 1966 Ford - they were the originals, 55 years old and still surprisingly strong & solid.

The Tacoma has a handy block drain with a nipple for a 5/16" hose on the passenger side, very easy to drain the coolant.
Remove passenger wheel, pop the top snap on the splash shield and gently fold it down.



Way back there you will find this drain, slip a 5/16" ID hose on it, the radiator drain takes the same size hose.



A long extension and a 10MM socket opens the drain.

 

I'd be nervous with this being in the northeast. Did it break free easy?

 

Mine did, my truck isn't driven in the winter however.
It wasn't overly tight, I used a 1/4" drive ratchet and it broke free easily.

The valve part is brass colored, plated perhaps and it takes a 6 point socket. Spritz some PB blaster on the threads and let it sit for a while, you probably will be fine.

 

My 2004 Ford truck, traded in last year, had all original hoses.

 

I never had to replace a toyota coolant hose in my life, and the last truck had 19 years on it before I sold it. I never ever change the orange/red coolant in nearly 300k miles either, as it still checked, and looked fine.

 

Skip the hose replacement, I believe the tacoma recommended radiator service is drain radiator from petcock on radiator. And empty/ clean overfill bottle. Refill and be set. Spare yourself the potential horror movie and leave the block drain alone.