red coolant came out

[jeep-N-montero]

So when I removed the coolant fittings on the throttle body there was red coolant coming out, I didn't think these used red coolant, I read they use some special long life green coolant. Can you guys clarify?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Anyone??!!

 

[jlocster]

My owner's manual specifies ethylene glycol for a 2000, assume its the same for a Gen 2.

 

[DaveInDenver]

If the coolant is red it means it's silicate- and borate-free (e.g. OAT), it's still ethylene glycol. Many Toyotas are supposed to use red or pink, so wouldn't surprise me if other Japanese vehicles are as well. One thing is if there is red in there (right or wrong), do NOT put green in without flushing. Mixing OAT and IAT type coolant will cause sludge and make a mess of your cooling system. The main reason you'd use red over green is it's easier on water pumps.

http://www.aftermarketsuppliers.org/Councils/Filter-Manufacturers-Council/TSBs-2/English/05-2R1.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifreeze#Organic_acid_technology

http://www.gates.com/downloads/Gates_Coolant_Tech_Bulletin.pdf

AFAIK you can use red if you wish in place of green, I think you generally run into issues using green when you're supposed to use red. I have a theory that premature head gasket issues sometimes seen on Toyota engines can be linked to owners using the wrong type coolant. The green stuff is pretty harsh on aluminum in particular.

 

[Inyo_man]

My Gen. III calls for All-Weather Green.
If the coolant is of unknown origin, perhaps a complete flush is in order.

 

[1morebike]

i ran red only in my land cruiser and it was awesome. i thought about flushing and running red but i just got a new radiator and that would have been the time to do it.

 

[Jay Ayala]

Hmm... I'll have to keep this in mind when I finalize my overhaul next weekend.