[Larry]

Anyone using WaterWetter? http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolantasp

[RL Lemke]

I use Red Line Water Wetter, and like it. It functions like a surfactant in releasing the surface tension of water. That way the water component of the coolant makes better contact with the metal walls of the engine cooling system. This seems to make a big difference in my water cooled dirt bikes. However, if there is a noticable difference in the dirt bikes, there must be a difference in my 4Runner.

[mikes4runner]

I am on another forum(Corvette) and allot of C4 guys use it and say it does work.

Do you think the 4Runner needs it though I don't believe they run that hot.

[Larry]

I also protects against corrosion and helps the water pump.

Even if an engine does not overheat it's good to get rid of steam pockets where gunk can collect to cause future problems.

Some engines have hot spots that don't register on the temp gauge because of stuff like steam pockets and plugged up passages. That part of WaterWetter is not played up in their ad, but is something to consider.

[the irishman]

Do NOT use Redline WaterWetter if you have red antifreeze in your 4Runner. If you do, you will be in for a nasty surprise. This stuff is not compatible with the new red antifreeze, only the green antfreeze. If you pour it in the results will be immediate and somewhat costly to fix.

[TranceKrayz]

what's the difference between red & green?

[the irishman]

Both green and red antifreeze are glycol based, but that's where the similarity ends. The composition of the additives used in the glycol is much different between the red and the green. The chemistry was changed for many reasons. The big reasons being toxicity and longevity.

The red antifreeze uses organic acid technology (frequently referred to as OAT) which causes metals to form a protective layer on themselves. It also uses phosphates, but no silicates. And it lasts a long time (5+ years).

Green antifreeze uses phosphates and silicates. It lasts 1-2 years.

Now, green antifreeze has worked well in engines for a long time, and I suspect that it would work well in a 4Runner as well. The problem is that you absolutely cannot mix the red and the green. This causes a nasty chemical soup that isn't going to do your engine any good. And flushing the red antifreeze, so that you can go back to the green antifreeze, is darn near impossible. Even if there is just a little bit left hiding somewhere in your cooling system, you will have a mess.

[RL Lemke]

WaterWetter®

WaterWetter® is a unique wetting agent for cooling systems which reduces coolant temperatures by as much as 30ºF. This liquid product can be used to provide rust and corrosion protection in plain water for racing engines, which provides much better heat transfer properties than glycol-based antifreeze. Or it can be added to new or used antifreeze to improve the heat transfer of ethylene and propylene glycol systems. Designed for modern aluminum, cast iron, copper, brass and bronze systems. Compatible with all antifreezes, including the latest long-life variations.

http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp

[the irishman]

Thanks RL. If Redline is going to say that their WaterWetter is compatible with "all" antifreeze, then who am I to argue? My guess is that they may have changed their recipe at some point, because my son works in a speed shop that primarily works on Japanese imports and about a year ago they put some WaterWetter into a Toyota (with red antifreeze) and the results were not good.

Well, at least your reply should put this to bed and maybe some people have learned a little bit about the new red antifreeze.

I've always considered that Redline made a pretty good product.

[RL Lemke]

I went to Redline's site because I was worried about making a mistake in using their Wetter in all my water cooled vehicles.

I still feel like it would be prudent to call them to ask specifically about Toyota red coolant.