Toyota Red coolant vs. Toyota pink pre mixed

[jreask]

I miss interpreted my last e-learning module, and miss information from another tech.
I apologize.

What the module said is if you mix you have to convert to the maintenance interval of the fluid.
I.E. if you are using red and switch to pink you go with the pink schedule.

HOWEVER, as from a tech perspective, I would rather use RED over PINK.
I as well as others in the shop have found the pink to be too thin, and usually cause premature water pump seal failures.
Some techs will add a splash of red to the system to try to thicken the mixture to avoid the failures.

I use red in my 4Runner and all models that use red (up till 04 in certain cases).

Sorry for the miss information.
As a personal preference I would not switch to Toyota pink and keep the red.

That makes sense. The Zerex Asian claims 5 years or 150,00 miles life.
I can't see ANY antifreeze lasting that long.

 

[sawguy]

I would really like to know for sure on this. I am replacing my rad this aft. and ordered a gal of 50/50 pre mixed toyota antifreeze. It appears that I have purple in there now. I don't really want to replace all the fluid if I don't have to. It looks clean. BTW 1997, sr5, 3.4, 220,000 miles

 

[Brian757]

I would really like to know for sure on this. I am replacing my rad this aft. and ordered a gal of 50/50 pre mixed toyota antifreeze. It appears that I have purple in there now. I don't really want to replace all the fluid if I don't have to. It looks clean. BTW 1997, sr5, 3.4, 220,000 miles

My thing is, if your not sure, why risk it?
An empty radiator takes around 2-2.5 gallons including reservoir.
Toyota Maintenance: Tacoma & 4Runner 30K Mile Service (Here is a flush and fill thread.)

 

[badattitude]

'99's were born with red (including mine) and I'm pretty sure that was the first year.

My 99 came with red as well. I have kept using Toyota Red and have no leaks at 155,000 miles. Original water pump.