Red Coolant Corrosion

[kiwiinmelbourne]

Hi all.

 

I have heard rumors that the Red Coolant used by Toyota has been causing corrosion in engines after about 10 years, and Toyota servicing are removing it after the Warranty period to put a better Green product in.

Has anyone heard this, is it just a rumor?

I heard it through a friend who knows a Toyota specific service agent.

Any one else had similar problems?

Grant

[irokin]

Coolant only has a lifetime of 2-3 years anyway so you'd hope they'd replace it around the time the warranty period ended. If they're rusting after 10 years its due to the fact the coolant is WAY beyond its useful lifespan.

 

I'd suggest the colour of the coolant has little to do with its effectiveness.

[WinKE55]

Coolant only has a lifetime of 2-3 years anyway so you'd hope they'd replace it around the time the warranty period ended. If they're rusting after 10 years its due to the fact the coolant is WAY beyond its useful lifespan.

 

I'd suggest the colour of the coolant has little to do with its effectiveness.

 

 

I've heard that red/pink coolant is longer lasting then the standard green. Though it is only 2nd hand information. And also I heard it in my work (Ford Dealership) so I am not sure if Ford and Toyota use the same Coolant.

[greenmac80]

Ok the red coolant is great on a new engine... but...

as an engine gets older and shit starts to leak..

e.g. exhaust gasses

and head gasket leakage.

the red coolant reacts with this and turns acidic causing corrosion.

 

i stood in a radiator place and read up on the differences because i was gonna use it..

but with old 4k's it'd probably shorten their life.

[KE30_KE35_KE55]

I use both Caltex Delo pre mix (red) and Castrol premix (green) coolant both quality products.

 

Coolant should be changed periodically, coolant test strips are available from most parts stores to test the coolants anti corrosive and anti freeze properties.

 

It is important to never mix brands of coolants as some react and turn to jelly or crystals.

 

Never add water to pre mixed coolant as weak coolant can be more corrosive than plain water.

[Philbo]

From my understanding, Red coolant only becomes corrosive when mixed with green coolant. Some sort of chemical reaction, causing it to become acidic, like blackrolla mentioned

[Teddy]

Well, Time to set the record straight.

 

I have heard rumors that the Red Coolant used by Toyota has been causing corrosion in engines after about 10 years, and Toyota servicing are removing it after the Warranty period to put a better Green product in.

 

Provided the genuine red coolant is changed when it is due, not mixed with any other coolant or added at the wrong ratio, there are no problems.

 

Under no circumstances, EVER, have i ever seen the coolant drained, and replaced with a green product after the warranty period has expired.

 

Yes, Coolant types can eat away at things if they are mixed with other sorts and brands.

 

Yes, getting the ratio of water to coolant correct is very important. If it is premixed, its not advisable to add water if the system needs a big top up.

If a small amount is needed for a top up. Ie - overflow bottle from 1/2 to the F mark, then that generally isn't a problem.

 

Red coolant is for 2 years i think, and the pink coolant is for 5 ? ill have to re-read up on it, as i cannot remember off the top of my head. But i do know for a fact that Pink coolant lasts many years over the Red coolant. Genuine Toyota i am talking about.

[love ke70]

depends on the mix ratio but 4 or 5 years for red coolant off the shelf at autobarn, and its about the same for the toyota stuff.

well, the toyota stuff ive seen on the shelf at the sevice place. ill wait for teddy with the cold hard facts on the toyota goodness.

[tojo2]

3 main types : Blue - green & red

 

don't mix red with the others, turns into some sort of gel.

 

No worries mixing green and blue but don't see any reason doing so.

 

Blue lasts a couple of years while the others 4-5 or more. Measure freezing point to see if its still ok.

 

Red is meant for engines with high alloy content (alloy blocks, alloy coolers ++) but can be used on others as well

Edited June 1, 2008 by tojo2