Just put in a new water pump, thermostat and aluminum radiator on the 95 4Runner. I assume I should use Toyota Red Coolant, even though it costs a fortune.
Am I right in this assumption? Is the dealer the only place to get it?

 

Personally, I would go with green and distilled water and just change it every couple years.

The new long life coolants are VERY picky about not being compatible with other coolant types, must use distilled water, etc. Not something I want to deal with if I'm in the middle of nowhere.

 

Oh - forgot to ask ... what did it have in it before?

If it had red, I would definitely go with that. If it had anything else, go with regular green.

Note that the difference is in the corrosion prevention package, not the cooling effectiveness. The "new" coolants are designed with longer lasting additives using different technology called OAT - organic somethingerother.

Personally, having to change the coolant every couple of years is a small price to pay to gain the "can find green coolant anywhere and mix with tap water if necessary" peace of mind.

 

Honestly, if it had the green stuff in it, I'd flush it all out real good, and then replace it with the red. You just need to make sure you flush out ALL of the green stuff first.

 

coolant is coolant. put the green stuff in it and say yourself some money.

 

Not really. Rule of thumb is not to mix different colour coolants or they can react and do nasty things including plug up your cooling system.

 

The green WILL cause corrosion of aluminum parts.

 

ANTIFREEZE - VERY Important - Don't make the same mistake I did by using the green antifreeze. The green stuff contains silicates and japanese engines hate silicates. If the coolant gets tired your block will very badly corrode. Stick with the Toyota Red coolant, which has a very different chemistry made especially for your motor. If the truck currently has green, yellow or orange coolant, you have to be very careful to thoroughly flush all traces out of it with several changes of water before filing with 50-50 Toyota Red and DISTILLED water. The different coolant types do NOT mix well. Also, tap water will cause scale and can cause corrosive byproducts to form. Stick with distilled water only. Your last flush should likewise be with distilled water, as some will remain in the heater core and various nooks and crannies. There is a draincock on the side of the motor and it helps to pull the heater hose to get a good flush.

 

I checked the Prestone website; they claim their stuff doesn't harm aluminum parts.
I bought my 4Runner used, it either had green or no antifreeze at all, definitely not the red; I would have noticed.
I have run Prestone in my 1990 pickup with a 22RE since I have owned it with no problems. If this 4Runner lasts one third as long as that, I'll be happy.

 

I just flushed out my radiator and refilled with Peak universal that was already mixed 50/50, time will tell

 

There are many threads on this now. I did read a very good article on this a while back and I cannot find it now. Here is one that is alright, give it a go: http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us120426.htm

 

Yes, if you use green, it is important that you change it every couple of years.

Read the rest of the post though. Getting the idea that the red (any of the new coolants) is kinda PITA? Is it worth having to replace your heater core, radiator, water pump, or engine because you didn't get every last drop of the previous stuff out? I don't think so.