LLC, SLLC Coolant option / alternative / choice

[CJ3Flyr]

FWIW- My Toyota dealer sucks, no price matching on parts etc. It just chaps my butt as I equate it to arrogance, I don't do well with that. (Somewhat irrelevant but it explains why I went looking )

I am coming up on 90k and by choice I want a new t-stat and antifreeze. The t-stat is no problem. Anti-freeze was an issue. I researched a bit and discovered Napa carries the Zerex variant called Asian Formula. It's a great match for our late model Toyos. The only 'downside' I see is that the Zerex only comes in a 50/50 premix. The good news is it was $22.xx for 2 gallons, OTD, right at 50% of what my Toyo dealer wants for SLLC.

Here's a nice little primer that was written after LLC and SLLC were in existence but before the aforementioned Zerex: Coolant/Antifreeze

Valvoline.com > Products > Zerex > Antifreeze Zerex > Zerex® Asian Vehicle Antifreeze / Coolant

:cheers:
PS- I don't want to argue about the merits of over-doing PM.

 

[ellsworb]

Tstat

Chris,

Why the T-stat replacement? Are you displeased with the Toyo fluids after seeing your "lifetime" transmission fluid? Thinking there was damage?

Is the Valvoline product the only one available?

THanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Chris,

Why the T-stat replacement? In all my years I have never let a anti-freeze/t-stat get older than about 120k/5years. I have NEVER had the 'stuck' thermostat, overheat or even a blown hose and that's taking several vehicles beyond 175k and one over 210k. I have pulled 3 heads and replaced hoses, radiators etc on other peoples cars based on old anti-freeze/original t-stats. Are you displeased with the Toyo fluids after seeing your "lifetime" transmission fluid? No, I think they're great, truly great fluids. To call them "lifetime" is like asking Bill Clinton what "is" is... Compared to the 'old days' when 2-3yrs and 30k was the interval for many fluids I think they have improved things dramatically. 'Lifetime' is only true if you consider the 'lifetime' of the vehicle to be 120k-150k. In their labs I'm sure it's all good to these higher mileages/ages but the real world seems to be tougher than the labs. Thinking there was damage? Absolutely not. I am just positive that, in the case of my transmission, had I run to a 100k the trans would need a rebuild at 150-160k. On my present plan it'll outlast the whole rest of the vehicle IMHO. Not totally relevant but my old '99 Trooper is alive and well on the original trans at 211k. I drove it 3 days ago, it shifts as it did at 9800miles (when I bought it in 2000 as a slightly used vehicle). FWIW it still has all OE hoses. They are soft, pliable and don't feel rotted. Nothing like an occasional engine bay wash and some good PM

Is the Valvoline product the only one available? I don't think it's the only one, I think Peak Global is a 'fit' too but it's a different color. The Zerex is the closest match to SLLC that I have seen.

THanks

:cheers: