Which Coolant?

Im not trying to mix the two on purpose or for any benefit other than convenience. I just need to put a little in the over flow tank. Seems like a hassle to have to mix with correct ratio of distilled water (so many opinions on the ratio as well) just for a small amount. Like maybe a 1/4 of a containers worth, if that. Who knows what the current ratio is thats in there now as well, I dont. What, do I need to have the whole system flushed just to top it off? Cmon. It was changed in late 2019.

 

You couldn't have been more vague! If you can tell me exactly what chemicals are different between the two then I'll be glad to do some research and tell you just how "bad" it can be to mix them.

Realistically and practically, most engine coolants are ethylene glycol + some type of corrosion inhibitor additive. There are some "eco friendly" or "animal safe" coolants that use propylene glycol, but EG vs PG is done more for toxicity and not really related to corrosion inhibition.

Most common coolant types:

Traditional green: Silicated. There is microsopic silica in the liquid that flows around and rubs against all passages to prevent build up of minerals. Limited life span because eventually the silicates fall out of the liquid and go where gravity dictates, clogging stuff. This is the stuff all you old timers think of as "engine antifreeze".

Organic Acid Technology (of which GM Dexcool is a type): Non silicated. Instead of silica, it uses an acid that performs the same function of preventing corrosion. Acid can't fall out of suspension, but it still does wear off with time which is why OAT coolants are when we started seeing "10 year" or "lifetime" formulas.

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology: Uses acid plus a little bit of silica to tackle corrosion both ways. Basically a middle of the road. Lifespan is around 6-7 years, not surprisingly. Zerex G05 is the most famous example of this.

H/OAT + Phosphates: This is what the Japanese mfrs have used, including Toyota for their LLC and SLLC. Phosphates are really good at cleaning (like if you've ever heard of old school dish detergent that had phosphates), but they are damaging to natural water which is why US mfrs don't use these formulas.

 

Pee in the reservoir. Lol. No don’t do that. They sell premixed so you could get that instead, cost wise it ends up being more expensive, seeing how it’s half water, you’d think it would cost half as much, but it isn’t.

I thought I read somewhere the Toyota pink is oat, but not according the above.

 

Just buy more Toyota’s … all 4 of mine use the same coolant… it will get used at some point . Buy it and forget about it . Don’t be a cheap ass.

 

Toyota Pink Super Long Life Coolant:

• Water (7732-18-5)
• Ethylene Glycol (107-21-1)
• Diethylene Glycol (111-46-6)
• Sebacic Acid (111-20-6)
• Potassium Hydroxide (1310-58-3)

Toyota Red Long Life Coolant:

• Ethylene Glycol (107-21-1)
• Diethylene Glycol (111-46-6)
• Water (7732-18-5)
• Orangic Acid Salt (532-32-1)
• Hydrated Inorganic Salt (1310-58-3)

And, unfortunately, I've gathered four different opinions from four different techs at the local Toyota dealership about compatibility. From don't mix, to yeah we mix all the time. Still unclear whether a little of one can be added to the other via the overflow tank in a pinch.

 

Its not about money.

 

Sounds like the dealer only wanted to sell me the 30$ SLL gallon of coolant as opposed to the 10$ LL gallon of coolant that belongs in that year Tacoma, as opposed to suggesting the correct thing to do which is sticking with what is in there already. Cool Cool.

 

Nothing is going to turn to jelly mixing toyota pink and toyota red. The last time jelly was an issue was GM DexCool and it was caused by the coolant reacting to atmosphere through crappy intake manifold gaskets. That was straightened out over 15 years ago. Just throw some toyota whatever in there and don't overthink it

 

My guess is you can mix anything with anything as long as neither is dexcool.

When I mixed dexcool with the green stuff, it didn’t look like jelly. Looked more like cottage cheese and instant hot chocolate powder mixed together.

 

I only saw sludge on 4.3s with wide open intake gasket leaks. Lots of Astros and S10s

By the time i saw them they were usually accompanied by a blown headgasket too

Ever done Headgaskets on a Astro? It's umm.. fun..

 

I used the pink SLL 00272SLLC2, it wasn’t that much more than the knock offs and there are deals out there. For example, Conicelli Toyota outside of filthadelphia, PA is $17.99:

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofspri...yota.com&machineIDT1=ereusczr4whfykqgz4zhusse

just keep in mind that most dealer parts counters won’t ship coolants and oils.