unknown red coolant

[finalfantasy]

From what i've read i think its toyota long life, but is it true that the dreaded dexcool can be red?

I want to change the stuff out without having to worry about adding water to the system through flushing and just keep using whatever it is, provided its safe/recommended.

I have the t-stat housing out of the bay and waterpump off. Drained from the petcock, there was like an 1/8th inch hole exposed on its threads when i thought it would come out directly below.

I read on cartalk that the automotive society of engineers said once you mix in over 15% diff coolant it affects corrosion inhibiting properties, is that accurate? Thats almost 1qt with 6.1qt capacity. wish i had drained into an empty container to determine how much coolant is out now.

[Sponsor]

[Mike_Mac]

just fill it back up with water, start the car run it with heater on high till its at operating temp, let it cool, drain. and fill with ford gold coolant and distilled water.

to drain again you just open the petcock. is maybe 15-20min of work worth any possible issues.

the redness could also be cause by rust, but thats usually a orange/brown colour.

either way i would flush all the crap out and put in the correct stuff and not have to worry about it.

[finalfantasy]

It looks very clean clear red. The stuff is like crystal clear.

Is that ball float tool very accurate to determine water coolant ratio? Also what about filling into heater hoses, want to make sure I don't get an air pocket.

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by finalfantasy

It looks very clean clear red. The stuff is like crystal clear.

Is that ball float tool very accurate to determine water coolant ratio? Also what about filling into heater hoses, want to make sure I don't get an air pocket.

What motor do you have? What I do Is use a coolant machine that sucks out the coolant & puts a vacum to it & then sucks it back in w/ the vacum using air pressure. Use 1/2 & 1/2= half coolant & half water. Get a 5gallon bucket & add a gallon of coolant & a gallon of water to start.

[finalfantasy]

I dont have a coolant machine and I've already drained the system. I'm reading about the argument for extended life coolant ELC and the silicates in the other stuff. If I could tell what exactly the heck this red stuff is I would just buy some more and refill it.

[bringler26]

Isn't the red stuff called dexacool?

[bringler26]

You should just put in the green or yellow after draining the system and flushing with water. I'm fairly certain if your car is not designed for it that it can ruin sensors and other parts just an fyi

[finalfantasy]

Originally Posted by bringler26

Isn't the red stuff called dexacool?

I have the Zetec.

Well from what I read it could be toyotas extended life coolant. I came across a post here stating it should be safe and mixable with gold stuff. If I could somehow confirm that I'd just buy some more. What kind of sensors could be affected, coolant temp sensor?

I figure when flushed ill then drain and fill half capacity (3.05qt) water then rest concentrated coolant?

[bringler26]

Well I can't say I have ever flushed mine so that process I have no clue to be honest. Go to the parts store and look at gold green and red coolants and look at what thyre made of. All greens are the same all red should be the same and all gold should be the same. From here I don't know all the exact differences. I know running the red stuff in a car not made for it can eat plastics because it is more acidic.

read this http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/...feature20.html

I found it via google. It shows what I am stating is even partially incorrect.

[finalfantasy]

I'm going to mix new coolant and distilled water in the engine