Coolant- red or is pink ok???

Ok so I've searched and get conflicting answers. Gonna swap in a new 3.0 radiator. So gonna need some coolant. I read that 1st gen 3.4 required a 50/50 blend of the red long life with distilled water. Then some say the pink is just that "red long life/distilled water" at a 50/50 mix, premixed at dealer....but some say no don't use the pink.....



I got a 2003 3.4l taco....

 

I just came across this issue after changing out my radiator. Didn't have enough of the Red coolant and all my local dealers were closed (4th of July). My cousin had 2 jugs of the pink stuff. I did some research and it seemed like it would ok as long as the 2 aren't mixed. However, toyota says different in this TSB

http://www.toyotapart.com/ENGINE_COOLANT_COLOR_CHANGE_T-PG010-02.pdf

I just flushed out my system with distilled water and filled it up with the pink stuff. I had ran the red stuff ever since I had the truck. Everything seems fine with the pink. No issues. I do not think the pink is the red stuff distilled because the ingredients on the back are different. I say use either. And according to toyota mixing seems to be ok.

 

I thought red only too. And we do not have Japan built vehicles and Tacomas are not included in that TSB, not sure if that applies

 

I just figured coolant is coolant and if it says their compatible then they are. Not sure though about why the TSB is applicable to certain vehicles. I've been good with the pink in mine so far. When I went buy more to top it off (2 jugs of pink wasn't enough), I told the parts guy a 97 tacoma and he said "oh ok so the red stuff" and then I told him my circumstances and he got me the pink. He said it's ok to use it as long as they aren't mixed. He said he asked a tech about it and the tech said it doesn't matter. Just a thought.

 

Hmmm, so to use the pink, got flush/drain the block to huh.... Guess I'll get the red stuff... My understanding is they dont sell it premixed, right? Only the pink stuff...


Thanks for the replies

 

I use greeny-yellow prestone. Been about 40k miles without any issues and it's available everywhere. I refuse to pay the astronomical price the dealer wants for a jug of coolant.

 

Yep. To be safe. I wanted to flush my system anyways, so it worked out. If I had the red in would have used it. Toyota should just give a clear answer on what's what and what should be used for each vehicle!!

 

From what I read u can use other types/colors as long as u don't mix....but the red is better for the life of the engine...

I agree completely, they should give clear answers!!!

 

I know mixing is bad because the ingredients from different types can cause a loss in cooling effectiveness, but I don't believe for a minute that Toyota red makes the engine last longer. It's stealership propaganda.

 

I feel the same. Just put something in there (pink or red) and you'll be fine!