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radiator flush - READ ONLY

45 messages,  Last post on Nov 21, 2001 at 6:17 AM

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#26 of 45 Dudleyr by spokane Oct 22, 2001 (7:23 pm)
You are correct that Honda says to use their coolant but a very reputable dealership in my area used Texaco for years until someone in the organization requested a change to the house brand. The Texaco worked fine. I wouldn't use the GM orange stuff. I have used Prestone in one Honda for 125,000+ miles and the cooling system is in excellent shape. However, don't ignore the Honda voice entirely; you really do need to use their power steering fluid.
#27 of 45 dex-cool by joe3891 Oct 23, 2001 (8:42 am)
I have read all the posts on the dex-cool sludge and there must be something to it.I now have two vehicles with factory filled dex-cool one with 24000 and 19000 and have yet to see a problem,if something comes up I will post it.
#28 of 45 After Market Radiator. by mrdetailer Oct 23, 2001 (10:06 am)
I had to replace my clogged radiator with an after market one. It is a better radiator. It's oversized and cools much better. The only complaint I have is that the thermostat is more active. It will get close to high before the thermostat opens. When it does it immediately drops to operating temp. If stressed, it can really cool fast.   So I guess it depends on what you buy.
#29 of 45 Honda coolant by acuraowner Oct 23, 2001 (10:23 am)
The reason Honda/Acura is really intent on having you use their coolant is because its specially formulated for the all aluminum engines in Honda/Acura vehicles.   Now your basic Prestone may be able to claim their coolant has low silicate levels. But its not quite as low as Hondas.   But now the silicate levels only really affect the waterpump and waterpump seals. But when Honda replaces your waterpump at every timing belt replacement its not much of an issue.
#30 of 45 tap water from wells by bburton1 Oct 28, 2001 (7:16 am)
If your water comes from your own well and you have a brine/salt type softener, never use this stuff to dilute coolant. It contains a fair amount of sodium chloride/salt and will wreck your cooling system. Buy a gallon of distilled water for less than a buck and mix them together.
#31 of 45 TOYOTA RED COOLANT.... by webguyster Oct 30, 2001 (7:04 pm)
I just had 30,000 mile service done to my 00 Camry Solara, that came with the factory red coolant. When I got home, I checked the coolant and it was green. I called the service advisor, who said its the same stuff. I looked on the web for more info and the owners manual, and it says to use a specific coolant for aluminum radiators. I called another Toyota dealer that told me to get it flushed immeadiatly, so I called the service advisor back, and after waiting for about 10 minutes, he said bring it back. I am concerned that not only could I have suffered some warping from 2 drain and fills, and a flush with water, at HOT temps coming from driving, and that the residue may cause future problems, as well. Any suggestions. Not only did I waste 5 hours of my day, but I don't really believe it is required to change the Long Life RED coolant at 30k. Any comments?
#32 of 45 never heard of this by 99protege Oct 30, 2001 (8:26 pm)
red coolant stuff. i'm only aware of green (ethylene glycol-based) and orange (extended life af/c, GM dexcool)
#33 of 45 webguyster by mbbenz Oct 31, 2001 (3:56 am)
yes the Toyota long life coolant is red. I have not seen it sold anywhere else than the dealers. My 99 Lexus calls for the same thing. At 30k miles there is no need to flush it. At 60k I will have mine done. But I do have a gallon in my garage so that I could top up if necessary. All Toyota/Lexus dealers around here uses that so I don't know what brand they used for your car thats green. It costs me $13.99 for the gallon but you can browse the web there are some Toyota dealers selling for $9.99 and I believe they can ship to you as well. You probably didn't do any damage running the green stuff anyways.
#34 of 45 dex-cool. by adc100 Oct 31, 2001 (4:39 am)
My understanding is that it was invented to prevent the dreaded intake manifold gasket leaks on the GM aluminum head sixes. I personally have had 2 3.1 V 6's and both required the heads to be replaced. They were earlier ones so ddn't come with the dex cool at the tme. I have also heard about the dex-cool having problems. It may be the lesser of two evils. Also I would never-never-never use tap water to mix with anti-freeze.
#35 of 45 Webguyster - Don't Worry by spokane Oct 31, 2001 (8:05 pm)
I cannot comment on the degree of difference between the "red" and "green" formulations but I feel sure that brief use of an alternate type has done no damage to you cooling system. IF damage could occur, it would be associated with chemical action over a period of months.

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