I found out the coolant in my just bought 04 4runner could barely be seen in the reservoir. so can i simply use regular coolant bought from walmart. i can see the old coolant is of red color, should i just buy coolant of the same color? or should be paying attention to somethings else? Thanks!
coolant choice
- Thread starter jhlscut
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I'm not an expert but Toyota has OEM coolants. My 2004 V6 calls for the pink Super Long Life coolant, for example. I don't think that mixing and matching is recommended. Also the coolant system is a closed system. If you're missing enough to run that low I'd keep a really close eye on it for a while and try to find out where it's going.
BlackWorksInc
New member
All 4th Gen 4Runners take Toyota SLLC (Super Long Life Coolant), its a Non-Silicate, Non-Amine, Non-Nitrite and Non-Borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
There are some alternatives like Zerex Asian Formula & Amsoil Coolant that meet Toyota's requirements. I haven't be able to verify many others that actually meet all of the SLLC specifications.
You've contaminated your system with the incorrect coolant by placing a generic silicate coolant in your vehicle. First I will recommend that you find if there is any leaks causing your coolant to go down. You did not state what engine you are running, but it is not uncommon to see water pumps leaking on '04 4Runners with either engine.
After you've corrected the coolant leak (if there is one), I would recommend a good coolant flush with Toyota SLLC or equivalent coolant. (Mixing Toyota "Red" LLC- Long Life Coolant with water does not make SLLC)
Toyota SLLC:
http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-Fluid-00272-SLLC2-Coolant/dp/B004SL8568
Zerex Asian Formula:
Valvoline.com > Products > Zerex > Antifreeze Zerex > Zerex? Asian Vehicle Antifreeze / Coolant
Amsoil:
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
There are some alternatives like Zerex Asian Formula & Amsoil Coolant that meet Toyota's requirements. I haven't be able to verify many others that actually meet all of the SLLC specifications.
You've contaminated your system with the incorrect coolant by placing a generic silicate coolant in your vehicle. First I will recommend that you find if there is any leaks causing your coolant to go down. You did not state what engine you are running, but it is not uncommon to see water pumps leaking on '04 4Runners with either engine.
After you've corrected the coolant leak (if there is one), I would recommend a good coolant flush with Toyota SLLC or equivalent coolant. (Mixing Toyota "Red" LLC- Long Life Coolant with water does not make SLLC)
Toyota SLLC:
http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Genuine-Fluid-00272-SLLC2-Coolant/dp/B004SL8568
Zerex Asian Formula:
Valvoline.com > Products > Zerex > Antifreeze Zerex > Zerex? Asian Vehicle Antifreeze / Coolant
Amsoil:
AMSOIL Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Thank you! I will check for leaks first. But coolant is just water added with anti freezing ingredients. Is it really a big deal to stick with overprice OEM?
Thank you! I guess I will think again before I do anything. How convenient it is to just buy coolant from walmart!
BlackWorksInc
New member
15-20 years ago that was true, these days while they all mostly use Ethylene-Glycol the additive packages and individual formulations are tailors very specifically to the manufacturer's needs.
I doubt Walmart carries any of those brands (though they may have Zerex Asian Formula), but I would be extremely careful about "Universal" coolants. If you search my name for posts on Coolants you'll see some more in depth replies I've made on the subject.
Minn3sota
New member
Adding to BlackWorks.....
The basis for engine coolant variety is the types of metal in the engine and radiators. Certain alloys have needs to prevent internal corrosion / build-up, or possibly cavitation. The wrong coolant may not protect the engine sufficiently. I would bite the bullet and always buy Toyota OEM SLLC.
Your certainly not going to destroy an engine buy accidentally using the wrong coolant for a short duration, but long term use would likely pose complications.
Cheers
The basis for engine coolant variety is the types of metal in the engine and radiators. Certain alloys have needs to prevent internal corrosion / build-up, or possibly cavitation. The wrong coolant may not protect the engine sufficiently. I would bite the bullet and always buy Toyota OEM SLLC.
Your certainly not going to destroy an engine buy accidentally using the wrong coolant for a short duration, but long term use would likely pose complications.
Cheers
awdjunkies
New member
Thanks! I think I will use OEM then.
Thanks!
Alternative coolants
I did a deep research for other alternatives to the OEM SLLC.
Here in Europe we don't really have access to organic acid coolants with phosphate (because of hard water restrictions). So I can't get:
Basically the coolant has to be ethylene glycol based, silicate, borate, nitrite & amine free.
It has to meet specifications:
The following coolants meet these, use organic additives and do not contain 2-EHA (acid):
I did a deep research for other alternatives to the OEM SLLC.
Here in Europe we don't really have access to organic acid coolants with phosphate (because of hard water restrictions). So I can't get:
- Zerex Asian
- Pentofrost A4
- Rachochem OEM pink
Basically the coolant has to be ethylene glycol based, silicate, borate, nitrite & amine free.
It has to meet specifications:
- American: ASTM D3306
- Japanese: JASO M325, JIS K 2234 (safe for engine/water pump rubber seals made in Japan)
The following coolants meet these, use organic additives and do not contain 2-EHA (acid):
- Texaco/Chevron Havoline XLC
- Total Coolelf/Clacelf Auto Supra
- Castrol SF
- Motul Inugel Optimal
- Mitasu Oil Red
