 Engine Coolant, What kind? |
 Jan 14, 2008 - 6:39 PM
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 Enthusiast  Joined Aug 15, '06 From MICHIGAN Currently Offline Reputation: 1 (100%)  |
Hi guys,
My check engine light came on today, and I think I might be low on engine coolant (I cant see any in the overflow). Do you guys use the orange kind or green kind?... Specific brands? The only thing I know is its not supposed to be alcohol based. I read the manual but I just want to make sure I'm right. Please let me know. -Thanks very much |
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Feb 25, 2008 - 9:31 PM
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 Enthusiast Joined Aug 9, '06 From Ma Currently Offline Reputation: 1 (100%) |
I use Toyota red and Distilled water somewhere between 60/40 and 70/30.
The big difference between Toyota coolant and most others is silicates [they help prevent corrosion]. Toyota says they damage water pump seals so they don't want them in their coolant. The problem is, silicates are very good at preventing corrosion from "hard" water, which is why using distilled water [close to pure H2O without extra minerals and stuff] is more important with it than with most coolant. It's not the end of the world if you use something besides Toyota red, but I suggest you use a good quality one, if you use the autocrap $2/gal stuff don't expect it to work as good. Also, stay away from ALL Dexcool types, they have a plastic softener in them [softens and warps plastic, like your rad end tanks]. QUOTE(x_itchy_b_x @ Feb 14, 2008 - 9:30 AM) [snapback]641433[/snapback] Prestone un-mixed then add some poland spring water. (kidding, i have well water) I don't consider it "tap" water. Well water is usually worse than tap water as far as mixing with coolant is concerned. It tends to have more minerals in it than tap water. I've seen a lot of people use regular water [tap or whatever] without problems however. Using either doesn't guarantee your cooling system will be massively corroded, but it definitely makes it more likely down the road. QUOTE(aslearvert @ Jan 14, 2008 - 6:39 PM) [snapback]630788[/snapback] Hi guys, My check engine light came on today, and I think I might be low on engine coolant (I cant see any in the overflow). Do you guys use the orange kind or green kind?... Specific brands? The only thing I know is its not supposed to be alcohol based. I read the manual but I just want to make sure I'm right. Please let me know. -Thanks very much Normally low coolant won't cause the CEL to come on, but it is possible. Why don't you check and see what the code is and go from there? --------------------  |
Posts in this topic
aslearvert Engine Coolant Jan 14, 2008 - 6:39 PM
zero07 The "red" kind........ Toyota. Jan 15, 2008 - 12:25 PM playr158 Prestone universal all brand Jan 15, 2008 - 12:28 PM 95CelicaST Prestone pre-mixed 50-50 Jan 15, 2008 - 1:43 PM Kadett Toyota For Life Coolant all the way. Jan 15, 2008 - 4:30 PM
DEATH QUOTE(Kadett @ Jan 15, 2008 - 4:30 P... Jan 17, 2008 - 9:27 AM hurley97 RE: Engine Coolant Jan 16, 2008 - 6:43 PM thespacepanda Yeah dude, go get Toyota coolant. Only way to go. Jan 16, 2008 - 6:54 PM Rusty yup..what is it now?? x5 for the toyota stuff Jan 17, 2008 - 1:59 AM playr158 QUOTE(hurley97 @ Jan 16, 2008 - 6:43... Jan 17, 2008 - 9:13 AM delusionz Hey guys I'm just about to flush mine, How muc... Feb 14, 2008 - 6:48 AM Supersprynt Mix it prior to putting it in. Feb 14, 2008 - 9:10 AM x_itchy_b_x Prestone un-mixed then add some poland spring wate... Feb 14, 2008 - 9:30 AM wrathc5525 i dont know about where you guys are but where i a... Feb 14, 2008 - 9:51 AM crandsberry I once had an old '88 accord that ran with tap... Feb 14, 2008 - 10:01 AM Redline08 no tap water! lol distilled water and toyota c... Feb 14, 2008 - 10:43 AM 94TRDcelica EVANS NPG Coolant! Feb 24, 2008 - 6:10 PM Bitter low coolant wont cause your check engine light to ... Feb 24, 2008 - 7:47 PM hurley97 QUOTE(Bitter @ Feb 24, 2008 - 7:47 P... Feb 24, 2008 - 9:23 PM Bitter i was being a little facetious, but there is no co... Feb 25, 2008 - 8:48 PM hurley97 right, there is no coolant level sensor that will ... Feb 26, 2008 - 7:09 AM |
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