Toyota Avalon Service & Repair Manual: Cooling System

On-vehicle Inspection

ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT

CAUTION:

Do not remove the radiator cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.

PROCEDURE

1. INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK

CAUTION:

Do not remove the radiator cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.

(a) Remove the radiator cap sub-assembly.

(b) Fill the radiator assembly with engine coolant, and then install a radiator cap tester.

*a Radiator Cap Tester

(c) Warm up the engine.

(d) Pump the radiator cap tester to 122 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm2, 18 psi), and then check that the pressure does not drop.

• If the pressure drops, check the hoses, radiator assembly and engine water pump assembly for leaks.
• If there are no signs of external engine coolant leaks, check the heater core, cylinder block sub-assembly and cylinder head sub-assembly.

(e) Remove the radiator cap tester.

(f) Install the radiator cap sub-assembly.

2. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL IN RESERVOIR TANK

(a) Check that the engine coolant level is between the L line and F line when the engine is cold. If the engine coolant level is low, check for leaks and add engine coolant to the F line. NOTICE: Do not substitute plain water for engine coolant.

*a F Line *b L Line

3. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY

CAUTION:

Do not remove the radiator cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.

(a) Remove the radiator cap sub-assembly.

(b) Check if there are any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator cap sub-assembly and water filler hole. Also, the engine coolant should be free of oil.

If excessively dirty, replace the engine coolant.

(c) Install the radiator cap sub-assembly.