Coolant replacement question

[cf99]

I've searched and read a number of threads on coolant changes, but didn't find one that answered my question.

The orginal "Toyota red" seems to be the preferred coolant here, but I'm going to have some work done (still deciding what I want to get done) only due to age, not mileage ('01 V6 w/ 20k miles). Some of the work could involve a cooling system drain.

The local shop I plan to use specializes in imports, but they use an amber extended-life coolant that is supposed to be universal and can even be added to any coolant. I assume they do this so they don't have to stock/order all the model-specific coolants.

If I do this, and they replace my red coolant with this universal amber stuff, are there any pitfalls in doing this (for example would it be advisable to change the waterpump, which would be easy for them to do as part of a timing belt replacement)? Any specific questions I should ask about their amber coolant?

[pmesfun]

I would stick with Toyota Red. Do you know what brand their universal coolant is? Maybe Zerex?

[71Corolla]

Bring them a jug of Toyota Red, pre-mix it with distilled water if you like just make sure they know it's premix. The coolants can be mixed and are compatible, but Toyota coolant is excellent insist on it.

[cf99]

...and a related question, do the pinkish deposits seeping out the end of the upper radiator hose where it attaches to the radiator indicate anything?
There was a bit more than the pic shows, but when I rubbed my finger across it, it crumbled.
Pic:

[pmesfun]

The hose may be getting old, might think about replacing it.
Man that is a clean engine.

[71Corolla]

Nice engine detailing job, excellent!

The residue you see is the upper hose leaking. Every single one of them do it after about 10 years, replace it with an OEM part.

[zppeacock]

I love a clean 1mz with 20k on it.

[cf99]

I'm not sure bringing in a jug of Toyota red would be an option but I'll ask. The way they described it (and I might have misunderstood), for any work where new coolant is involved they have some kind of bulk insertion/extraction system, probably using a 50 gallon drum of this amber coolant pre-mixed 50/50.

So if I brought a jug of Toyota red, they aren't set up with a distilled water source to cycle out the old and mix the new red. City water here is nasty so I wouldn't want them hooking a hose to it.

I'm not sure of the brand of the amber. When I googled amber coolant, the Peak Global Lifetime coolant sounded most like the coolant they described, but I'll have to ask to be sure.

[carsrus]

Yeah its peak global lifetime most likely. Basically its the best alternative(if not equivalent) to Toyota Red.

Ive been using it for a while now. No issues and its a great deal. (Ive gotten it for 6$ a gallon on sale) The Toyota stuff is rediculously expensive.

Toyotas arent really anal about coolant so honestly even the green stuff works. Alot of shops just stock Green or Orange dexcool, with the occasional specialty fluid for a german car.

[cf99]

Thanks.
Just out of curiosity, is there any logical reason why the upper radiator hose is the weak link, first to fail? Thinner wall hose maybe?

Should I expect the other hoses carrying coolant have a good deal of life still remaining once the upper hose reaches its failure point?

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by cf99

Thanks.
Just out of curiosity, is there any logical reason why the upper radiator hose is the weak link, first to fail?

It gets hotter.

[cf99]

An article about coolant types and cooling systems. A bit old, but probably not much has changed
http://www.taligentx.com/passat/info...ng_It_Cool.pdf

Some interesting presentations on coolant and other things (which I accidently posted in the wrong thread before):
http://www.jameshalderman.com/data/ppt.htm

Also, does anyone know what the pH range is for Toyota red coolant that is still considered good? (If someone has a jug, it may say on the jug)

[Just Out of Reach]

If the shop wants your business they should work with you on your preferred coolant, just as they would with your preferred oil. If the car has the TOY RED in it, stick with it. It's only a couple dollars more at most (the Zerex is already mixed). I would say it's low priority unless it has a lot of mileage on it.

Mine came out very clean. While drained, I removed the upper radiator hose and brushed off the salts that accumulate. The hose was fine, it just happens over time.