Thread: different coolants......

I don't have any real knowledge, but a quick google search suggests that the difference in colour is due to different types of corrosion inhibitors - and also suggests they should NOT be mixed (even in trace amounts, so don't think you can flush the system well enough), as they are likely to stop each other from working.
But as I understand, your question is whether you can safely use a different coolant of the same colour, and my understanding is yes.
John

Originally Posted by DEFENDERZOOK

ok.....who can give me a quick run down on the different coolants on the market.....

im about to change lurchs coolant and just bought 5 litres of nulon concentrate....the red one.....
it has enough ethylene glycol and OAT as required by land rover specs.....
the mix is to be 50/50.....

the book specifies havoline extended life coolant....at around $15 per litre at caltex.....i chickened out.....
i need 5 litres......the nulon was $46 for 5 litres.....still too much......but cheaper than caltex....
besides....they didnt have 5 litres of the stuff anyway.......


in simple english.....whats the difference between green and red....
i know green is for older engines with copper/brass radiators.....
and red for newer engines with alloy radiators....
but what happens if you use them where you shouldnt....?
what damage...and how fast.....

what would happen if i put any ol red coolant in lurch......?

im sure there are others who would like to know the difference as well.....

Basically....you CAN use the red in ALL engines.....you MUST use red in modern motors that specify it!

The red type coolant known as OAT (Organic Acid Technology) carboxylate corrosion inhibitor type is more effective in long term/life [typically 4-5 years] inhibition of corrosion of all types [ i.e. electrolytic, galvanic, and cavitation etc] of corrosion at high temperatres in high aluminium content situations. ......OK? or more info?

Further research - see
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/overh...0OR%20green%22

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I don't have any real knowledge,......But as I understand, your question is whether you can safely use a different coolant of the same colour, and my understanding is yes.
John

NO!!!! - DON'T MIX DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS PRODUCTS - even if same colour.....they may be OK, but do you wanna be the lab rat that finds out they DON'T????.....high school science class taught me to be very careful of mixing unknown quanta of unknown chemicals....maybe nothing, maybe a big KABOOM or creation of a new inorganic lifeform???

i was mainly wanting to know what would happen if i just use any old red coolant instead of the specified
havoline coolant......

i know all about not mixing different coolants....even if they are the same colour....i wont even mix old with new....
there is an american product
that claims it can be mixed with any colour coolant....its in a yellow container but i am very sus about it.....
unless it is just straight ethylene glycol and water and nothing else.....

i will perform a flush of the cooling system before i change my coolant.....


and if you have more info i would love to hear it.....you can never know too much.....

Dont change the coolant to a different type/brand other than what was originally in there unless you are going to do a full pressuerised flush out of the system with the appropriate descalers and the rest...

Different coolants have different chemical properties that dont like each other and will at best just cancel each other out and at worst become corosive

... If you have 2 different metals in your cooling system (I'll bet a pink slip that you do) and you get break down of the coolant you will get electrolisys... Bad juju... specially for aluminium components.

As a minimum if your going to change the coolant to a different brand/spec do at least 3 complete fresh water flushes of the system, not a suck eggs thing but for those who dont know the "bushie flush method"

1. remove thermostat and replace housing, remove radiator cap
2. drain system by removing bottom hose and replace hose
3. remove 1 heater hose and attach garden hose
4. fill it up and let it over flow out the cap and other heater hose connection till the water is clear
5. replace cap and heater hose
6. take it for a drive till its up to temp.
7. let it cool down and repeat steps 2-6 untill water is clear when you pull the cap.

Id only do step 7 if I was concerned about scaling in the radiator or block, was changing coolant types or changing brands.

Yes it uses a lot of water and takes a while but IMHO it beats having holes eaten into parts of your engine where you dont want holes.

Hi Tony
I too will need to do my sooner than later.
I intend running water with a couple of changes over a couple of weeks to ensure a thorough flushing then re filling with an approved coolant.
We have had big problems at work with coolants in a mixed fleet,mix the wrong ones together and they can become very corrosive.They are changing as many machines as possible over to a single type to avoid future problems.
Andrew

The problem is (owning a used vehicle) knowing exactly what brand green(or red) has been used.
Do all LR dealers use the same brand coolant?