Coolant for Camry

[nitrous3sfe]

Besides OEM factory Toyota coolant, what is a good substitute? The all makes/all models is not a good solution!

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Whaa?!?! I have to admit, I cannot bring myself to agree with you. My first Corolla was still using "one-fits-all" coolant at 435,000km (orig water pump), my last Corolla is now at 390,000km on orig water pump and generic coolant (still on the road), my V6 Camry is at 390,000km right now, secoind pump but always generic coolant...

What's your beef with off-the-shelf coolant (like Prestone or whatever)?

[nitrous3sfe]

My beef is that there are several different type of coolants out there. They all have specific properites for specific engines and seals/gaskets. I used to work at Federal Mogul Coporation which produces all internal engines seals/gaskets. Now I did not work on developing water pump seals, etc, but I do recall sitting in a meeting where they were talking about how each manufacturer had a different coolant, and how this would determine what type of material should be used for the gasket/seal.

Long life coolants such as Dex-cool can create issues (Orgainic Acid Technology:OAT-type coolant). In fact there is a class action lawsuit against all the damage that Dex-cool has done to engines! This was putting the RIGHT coolant in their engines....
However, I do not think GM researched the long term effects of this coolant on their engine, hence all the problems.

Here is something I found interesting about OAT, remember suppliers who make gaskets/seals always test with whatever the factory recommends.

"Cummings diesel engines have silicone seals in the engine and do not recommend use of orange antifreeze because the organic acids will cause degradation of the seals after 80,000 to 100,000 miles of use. Coolant can leak past damaged seals into the engine lubrication oil system and plug oil filters with resulting damage to the engine."

Now I want my Camry to go 300K+ miles!

[aych]

I just use the all purpose prestone yellow stuff. as far as I know, i've got no problems. same radiator, same pump, everythings original from 88. and i've got 300,000km on it

[toyomoho]

Toyota antifreeze is silicate and borate free, some after market coolants are also.

Dex-Cool seems to have issues coming up, but not up on them.

Best to flush out all the old coolant, the fill with distilled water and new coolant.