I have 97 4runner sr5 (not 4wd) it has 244K miles on it - i took it in for an oil change and i was told that it is recommended that i get an "enging flush" and also a "radiator flush". I just checked out the toyot scheduled maintenance and i don't see anything in there about "flushes" - are "flushes" considered the same as "replace engine coolant?" also, if you can think of any other preventative maintenance that i should have completed at this time, i would appreciate your input - i am need this car to last me as long as possible! THANKS!

The only engines I have ever seen that needed to be "flushed" were engines that had used Quaker State oil for a long time. Usually about the only good way to tell is your engine is gummed up is to remove the oil pan of the intake manifold and see how much residue is built up in the engine. If your radiator has rust in it and the cap & gasget have rust deposits on them and or the overflow resivoir tank has rust in it thenn I would say to drain and flush the coolant system. If there is no rust, the coolant is the orinigal coolant color and the engine is not overheating it does not need to be flushed. Follow the reccomendations of the coolant manufacturer as far as to the length of use before draining and replacing with fresh coolant.