should i replace coolant hoses?

[dallison]

i am going to do the 60k service this winter along with flushing the coolant. While under the car i notice the lower radiator hose is more susceptable (sic)

to road debris and is not as protected like most fwd cars. I know the hoses only cost about $20 each, but is this something i really need to replace?

I have only ever replaced these when they leak, become bloated or the insides no longer resemble a hose.

And does the cooling system on a 6 speed really take 5 gallons??? If so, back to the parts store. I purchased 2 gallons of peak 50/50 thinking it was enough and reading somewhere this is the proper coolant.

The one reason i am changing the coolant at 60k is, the wifes' 4runner decided to make a strawberry milkshake from never changing the coolant at 120k.

The coolant and trans fluid mixed to give me some minor problems.

[pk2]

In my experience hoses can get bloated like that when exposed to oil. (Probably plenty othere rasons too). However it got there, ditch and replace them and plan on clean scale from they're aluminum males. As to youur coolant, it needs to be dexcool compatable an a minimum. Xerex make the best I've seen, they claim Porshe compatability

Regards, PK

[N41EF]

I know an "s" takes at least 4 gallons, I bought two from Sunset, and two gallons of distilled water, and then still had to top up once it's fully burped. The Bently manual has a pretty good procedure on getting the air out. Even after that first time I drove it the car got "warm" then the thermostat open and temp droped to exactly the 180 mark where it tends to run.

I used the Porsche labeld stuff, just because. It's an every three or four year thing, why not use the right stuff and not have to lay awake at night thinking what if?

Make sure you have a HUGE catch pan when you go to drain it. And you can check at:

http://search.earth911.com

To see who you takes antifreeze to recycle.

[Steve Tinker]

I agree with N41EF - why would you change from the Porsche coolant, every 5 years is not a big cost option and no strawberry milkshake...

Also consider installing the Raby Flat6 low temp 160 deg thermostat - it works extremely well, especially in a warmer climate.