Coolant Dilemna

[oscolivar1]

Yep...some edumacation was needed

Been using the Toyota Red for a while now since I get it for free :icon_bigg
Works well, even during the friggin hot summers in Phoenix!

Damn John You get Toyota Red for free!
Lucky you....

 

[Nick M]

I didn't know that coolant could be a dilemna? :dunno:

 

[FredMk3]

I didn't know that coolant could be a dilemna? :dunno:

Yeah me neither. Every 7m I saw on pictures with the head removed from the block, always had green coolant. Bought my car and there was green coolant too. Rebuilded my block and put in New Prestone with a 50/50 water mix off course. I'm gonna change my coolant at least every 2 years...In fact I have to change it again next month to put in my new PWR rad and new rad hoses.

So is using Pretone coolant ok?

BTW... this new prestone coolant is more yellowish than green, and more clear. Said to be good with every engine, including aluminum.

 

[theDon]

where do you guys buy your red coolant, if not toyota? every parts store have it? what brands are preferred?

 

[jetjock]

Coolant "dilemna" aside seeing coolant in HG job photos is sloppy work on the part of the mechanic. The cooling system should've been flushed with water first then the block drained. Fwiw I install a petcock in place of the plug Toyota put on there. Makes future cooling system service a lot easier.

As for Prestone, well: http://tinyurl.com/2rc8ha

 

[theKnifeArtist]

would it be okay to run straight water for like 500 miles after a headgasket job? theres probably a whole bunch of crap in the coolant lines. its not cold here anymore to freezing wont be a problem.

 

[jdub]

After draining (rad & block)...the easiest/fastest way I've found to completely flush the cooling system is to remove the thermostat, reattach the housing/hose, fill with water and run. With no thermostat, the water will go straight to the radiator. Drain rad and block again...repeat till you get clear water from the drain. Replace thermostat (new gasket) and fill with 50/50 coolant to water.

Fred - Toyota Red is the only phosphate coolant I know of. You can't go by color...it's just dye. Most coolants (including Toyota Red) use ethylene glycol as the anti-freeze...phosphates, silicates, OAT, and HOAT are simply the anti-corrosion chemistry. Read JJ's Mk III Tech write-up...this is a good article too:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/overheating/DTurcotte_Mag_53_g.pdf

Like JJ said, HOAT coolant like G-05 is good.
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=10

 

[IJ.]

would it be okay to run straight water for like 500 miles after a headgasket job? theres probably a whole bunch of crap in the coolant lines. its not cold here anymore to freezing wont be a problem.

NO it will begin to errode right away.....