Best Way To Clean

Hey all. I just removed my upper radiator hose and see that there is gunk around the pipe. I was thinking that I use Vinegar (natural acid). What would be the best way to clean?

 

I would go with vinegar and a brass brush. Be careful not to scrub too hard and make a deep gouge out of the metal. Just get the gunk off, not the metal of the tube.

That's just me, though...
Pat☺

 

Thank you. I am going to let vinegar sit on there for a day then go eat it with a brush.

 

Tasty.

 

Is that the dreaded pink milkshake?

 

I would be more worried about that “coolant.” Looks like you got a pink milkshake too me! This means your radiator has internally burst letting your transmission fluid and coolant mix. If this is determined to be true do not try to start or drive your vehicle. Have it towed to a shop to be properly drained unless you want to do it yourself.

 

Citrous cleaner and green Scotchbrite pad. If you're short on a time, Roloc plastic bristle disc on a 90-deg drill works well.

As others have said, you may have an internal radiator leak. Rule of thumb for 3rd gen 4Runners is to replace the radiator every 10 years or route the transmission lines to an external aftermarket cooler, bypassing the radiator. If your transmission isn't slipping yet, replace the radiator, flush the coolant, and replace the transmission fluid. If it's slipping already, you'll need to do all the above plus look for a used or reman transmission.