Coolant question

[shiftmx]

My coolant in my 01 4runner is running low. I want to top it off but it isn't the toyota red. When I take off the cap, it is some type of green colored coolant. I have the maintenance records from the previous owner and the coolant is less than 2 yrs old and a little over 20k miles. I am guessing the flush wasn't done at a toyota dealer. I will soon install a transmission cooler and new radiator and will flush and refill with the red stuff. But for now, what coolant do it need to top off what I have? Will any of the green stuff work, or do I need a particular green that is safe for the 4runner?

 

[BrianSD_42]

do not mix red and green. If you are unsure what type you have then do a complete drain and flush because it is probably due anyways.

 

[shiftmx]

I know not to mix the red, and I plan on the flush and refill but I cant get to it until probably mid-August. Would a universal green that is silicate and phosphate free work just for topping off?

 

[thebrandon]

If it's just a top off you can get away with using distilled water. Get the red stuff in there ASAP.

 

[KYMUDD]

Hey did you take some out of radiator? When you look in the radiator mine looks green but when you suction it out with the anti freeze tester it is actually the red just looks green in the radiator.

 

[freshley]

This time of year, I would just top it off with distilled if you are going to flush it soon anyhow. Anyone know how much a gallon of the toyota red or pink is going for these days? I used to be able to get Zerex asian which is the same as the toyota but my local Napa no longer caries it and it was like $11/gal.

 

[stevec5000]

This time of year, I would just top it off with distilled if you are going to flush it soon anyhow. Anyone know how much a gallon of the toyota red or pink is going for these days? I used to be able to get Zerex asian which is the same as the toyota but my local Napa no longer caries it and it was like $11/gal.

Whatever you get make sure it's for aluminum engines. That's generally the most expensive type but it's necessary to protect the engine.

 

[thor999]

Just a heads up, when you flush the system, do this:
1) Drain completely
2) Fill w/ white vinegar
3) Idle for 10 mins after thermo opens
4) Drain
5) Fill w/ distilled water
6) Idle for 10 mins after thermo opens
7) Drain, repeat steps 5 & 6 as often as necessary 'til water becomes clear, then drain again, then refill w/ red coolant / distilled water mix.
Should be cheaper and MUCH more effective than a flush kit! This was suggested to me by a Master Engineer in the Merchant Marines (30 years in), and I have applied it to 4 different Yota's, 6 US built cars and various other vehicles for the last 10 years and has worked perfectly, w/ long lasting results. I used to have my doubts as to how it affects the seals in the water pump, or does it create new problems in the radiator or thermo but have yet to see anything that indicates such...
You will be amazed how much "junk" your system releases when using this method; first time I was tempted to replace the radiator but gave it a few months and coolant remained clear!!!

 

[thebrandon]

I've done the vinegar flush before, I like it, but I usually do 50% vinegar, 50% distilled water. The vinegar is corrosive enough to get any build up and muck out of there, but not corrosive enough to eat away at seals for how long it's in the system.

 

[thor999]

I've done the vinegar flush before, I like it, but I usually do 50% vinegar, 50% distilled water. The vinegar is corrosive enough to get any build up and muck out of there, but not corrosive enough to eat away at seals for how long it's in the system.

100% vinegar here and never any problems. I wouldn't let it sit overnight in a cold engine though...