Pink or Red? Coolant flush.

[BackOff]

Hmm... Mine is 06/2003.

I wonder if they changed anything in those 3 months?

Yup.
Looks like mid year, that thread chaz added with the super old broken links had it.

The SLL seemed to have been added to reduce something or another...to pass some BS EPA crap?

Just use the Valvoline Zerex Asian stuff. Change it at 30k miles.

 

[thewaydown]

Diluted means it is already 50/50 with pure anti freeze and distilled water. I prefer using the concentrate and adding my own distilled water but couldn't find it in red. I did not try Toyota. I used Peak Final Charge Global. It is red and is pre-mixed.

Oh, I know what diluted means. The way you worded it just sounded like you purchased the red toyota stuff pre-diluted 50/50, which I don't think exists.

Thanks though!

 

[thewaydown]

Yup.
Looks like mid year, that thread chaz added with the super old broken links had it.

The SLL seemed to have been added to reduce something or another...to pass some BS EPA crap?

Just use the Valvoline Zerex Asian stuff. Change it at 30k miles.

Yeah, most likely. Didn't notice that thread he posted, still don't see it. Maybe he removed it.

I've seen a few people mention that zerex coolant. How does it compare? Is it more similar to pink or red?

 

[AuSeeker]

Now I'm torn, again. I was ready to buy a couple gallons of the Pink for my 03, now i've just been told again (3rd time I've heard it) that red should go in mine.

Does anyone know the logic behind this? Is the engine material a different alloy than the later year 4th gens?

I don't want to test my already suspect head gasket.

Manufacturer date is 06/03 if that provides any info.

If you have your owner's manual look in there, it will have the correct info for yours, they would have edited the manaul for the later year model when they changed to pink.

 

[chaz]

pdf in this. From factory: Pink coolant in my 2003

 

[thewaydown]

Link to my new thread with borescope pics.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/270412-borescope-pics-head-gasket-failure.html#post3255450

 

[thewaydown]

If you have your owner's manual look in there, it will have the correct info for yours, they would have edited the manaul for the later year model when they changed to pink.

pdf in this. From factory: Pink coolant in my 2003

Just checked the manual and it says LLC. I read in tacomaworld and also toyotanation that LLC can cause the water pump seals to fail prematurely. Also that Pink isn't backwards compatible with "older" toyotas. Not sure what "older" is referring to. I think I might drain and flush both my 5vz-fe and the 4runner and replace both with the zerex stuff. I'll do this AFTER I figure out where this suspected leak is.

 

[lightfreak]

Pink and RED are compatible, can mixed together and substitute one to replace the other as long as your Toyota originally came with one of them, there's a TSB stating such that's been posted here and elsewhere.
The Pink has a different anti-corrosion agent that gives it a longer drain interval.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

My radiator was leaking at the bottom Right corner (passenger side).

 

[thewaydown]

My radiator was leaking at the bottom Right corner (passenger side).

Go pink.

Have you checked the drivers side lower part of the radiator? Look there, that is where my coolant was leaking. I've been sweating profusely thinking my head gasket was starting to go, but low and behold, I only have to replace the radiator. (not fun, but loads better than having major engine repair). Anyway, 4th gens tend to leak from that location.

Good luck!

I just fixed mine. Tank was low and when I checked the radiator I could see red/pink staining in a couple of places on the engine side of the radiator. It was leaking but never saw any on the floor and didn't smell anything.

I ordered a new radiator, hoses, and thermostat from Rock Auto. I then drained radiator and filled with distilled water three times until drained water was almost clear. I drove it in between until it warmed up and thermostat opened.

I then filled with red pre-diluted anti freeze. That was a month ago now and it is fine now.

What brand radiator did you guys decide to purchase when replacing the old one?

 

[CookieRoe]

What brand? Denso,
Where? Rockauto,
Price? $98. (not including shipping, about $20 for me)

 

[kcdehart]

I think I found mine for like $60 on Amazon. Can't remember the brand and it's probably not worth mentioning.

Having talked to a mechanic about it, he told me that if it's got plastic endtanks on it, a radiator is a radiator, and most aren't gonna be any different in the long run.

That said, I really wish there was a full aluminum option. I'd fork out the cash for it in an instant.