On Nov 1, 12:20 pm, njot <njo...@juno.com> wrote:
>> I was wondering if there was any reason I cannot use the standard
>> green coolant in a 2000 Toyota Camry.
>> The coolant in the car now is red. However it is not available at
>> auto parts stores.
The correct Toyota coolant is definitely available at the Toyota
dealer. I realize it might cost a little more, BUT, honestly it is an
occasional expense. Why take a chance that Prestone or Texaco, or Peak
isn't overstating the compatibility of their product. Toyota designed
the engine and specified the coolant. Who knows best?
>> Can I use Dex Cool (orange coolant) in place of what is currently
>> in
>> the car?
NO! Don't do that. Dexcool has a very different chemistry from most
other coolant. You might get awat with using it, but why take a
chance. There are too many horror stories related to using Dexcool for
me to take that chance.
> > I'd like to know how the red coolant is different from either the
> > green coolant or the orange (Dex Cool) coolant.
See (among others):
http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=816
http://paulaxford.com/bmw530i/coolant.htm
http://yotatech.com/f116/rusty-coolant-coolant-faq-192781/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifreeze
http://www.eetcorp.com/antifreeze/antifreeze-faq.htm#q26
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-310299.html
http://recyclingantifreeze.com/faq
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Fuel_LubricantData.html#CoolantInformationLinks
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40721
> Probably not Dex Cool (isn't that for the newer GM cars?), but how
> about the Prestone coolant that they say can be mixed with any color
> of antifreeze?
Dexcool was originally developed by Texaco for GM. It has been used by
other manufacturers on a limited basis.
What do you expect Prestone to say? I doubt they are goign to say,
"Don't buy our coolant unless you are sure it is compatible with the
coolant in your car." Are you really saving a lot if you buy Prestone
"good for anything" coolant verus the correct coolant for your car?
> I asked a CarQuest mechanic about the Toyota Red (which he also
> sold)
> and asked him what the difference was between Toyo Red and Prestone.
> He said... well... Toyota coolant is red... that's about it... :D
Geez, what did you expect. Do you think he really knows the actual
difference?
Ed
Ralph Mowery - 05 Nov 2009 03:19 GMT
> On Nov 1, 12:20 pm, njot <njo...@juno.com> wrote:
>>> I was wondering if there was any reason I cannot use the standard
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> overstating the compatibility of their product. Toyota designed the engine
> and specified the coolant. Who knows best?
I bought a mixed gallon from the Toyota dealer. Cost $ 20 per gallon. That
makes it $ 40 for a gallon of the unmixed stuff. While that is very high for
coolant, I have not had to use any of it in either of the two cars. It does
not seem to be down in either of the two Toyotas I have so I have not opened
the container.
Even at 5 times the price of standard coolant, it is inexpensive insurance
if you seldom add any.
john - 06 Nov 2009 05:16 GMT
You probably picked up the Pink coolant? Pink only comes pre-diluted.
It's 1/2 copy of Dexcool without the 2EHA acid. I think Toyota used
phosphates instead of 2EHA, IIRC.
> I bought a mixed gallon from the Toyota dealer. Cost $ 20 per gallon. That
> makes it $ 40 for a gallon of the unmixed stuff. While that is very high for
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Even at 5 times the price of standard coolant, it is inexpensive insurance
> if you seldom add any.