coolant?

[TonyD]

I know this topic has been talked extensively on, but still differing opinions. When I bought my 92 Camry, it had green antifreeze inside. The first thing I noticed was the radiator fins falling off. The radiator was in such terrible condition, that was one of the first things I replaced. Not ever owning a Toyota previously, I replaced the green with the new green Prestone all makes fluid.

Question 1: Does anyone think that the cause of the radiator falling apart was from the switch from red to green? Or is this a common maitainence item after 12 years?

Question 2: Should the new Prestone all makes be sufficient or should I put the Dealer Red back?

Thanks,
TonyD

[Ken4]

As long as the green prestone you put in is 50/50 mix of Ethylene Glycol (low silicate formulation) and demineralised water then you are okay.

If the radiator is failing apart, you should be replacing a new one. The previous owner probably never bothered replacing coolant every 2 years. Using the wrong coolant or insufficent 50/50 mix could also cause problems. It might also be a good time to replace your coolant hoses, heater hoses, water pump, thermostat and engine water outlet manifold.

[joandjo]

Even though Toyota red coolant is better, I think you should be fine with green Prestone. The key is never ever mix toyota red coolant with the regular green stuff. The previous owner probably mixed those.

I strongly recommend you need to complete flush first. Then you can choose either coolant (again, toyota red coolant is better).

[95camguy]

the radiator was probably falling apart from age. ur from the northeast and with all the road salt and snow it definetly takes its toll on your car. also the green stuff should be fine in ur car.

[karazy]

Like Camguy said, the coolant has no effect on the fins. Failing to rinse the rad when washing the car does. According to two toyo techs I asked, there is no problem with mixing the red and green coolants. The green is fine.

[TonyD]

thanks..all

[whocares04]

i always heard if it's green (when u see it) stick with green, if it's red stay red...

[joandjo]

Originally Posted by karazy

According to two toyo techs I asked, there is no problem with mixing the red and green coolants. The green is fine.

Nope. You should not mix the red and green. It has been discussed here a lot (http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t60386.html). It also happened to me before. And I had to replace the radiator and water pump. Do not take a risk.

[illusive562]

when i just got my gen 2 camry with 18k miles, my water was black and still is lol...i am too lazy to change it...i will do it sometime this week...is it normal if its black? i beleive its the same coolant back from 1990 when by grandpa bought the car new...its been sitting in the garage for 13 years...

[88 LE]

^ No the coolant shouldn't be black.

Flush it out ASAP.

[terrastrife]

my coolan was black until it was flushed and filled when i had my front end collision.. same with atf oil too

its probably dark red.. just looks black