Diluted coolant

[Squeegee]

So I developed a crack in my radiator during last weekends wheeling trip and have been nursing it along all week. I finally have some time off and I’m swapping it out for a tyc this weekend. The issue is that I’ve added around 2 gallons of distilled water this week and I’m honestly not sure what coolant the previous owner had in it. Kinda dumb. I have a vague recollection that it was Toyota red but it’s been watered down to a Very light orange coolaid color. Has anybody seen Toyota red get diluted to orange? I’m trying to decide if I should just do a flush or just add Toyota red and distilled when I put the new radiator in. Thanks!

 

[ajax1]

Not trying to be dick but do you wanna do it right or half assed? Personally I would drain block and radiator run water in both tell it comes out pretty clean then refill with green

 

[Squeegee]

Not trying to be dick but do you wanna do it right or half assed? Personally I would drain block and radiator run water in both tell it comes out pretty clean then refill with green

No that’s being totally fair! I guess I’m trying to avoid making more work for myself then what’s actually needed. Like if it already has Toyota red in it, why wouldn’t I just put more Toyota red in it I am tempted just to flush it though and run the green stuff because it’s easy to get.

 

[-Spike-]

Flush it no matter what's in it. Then take your pick- I run Prestone all makes/all models green for availability, but I don't think there's a wrong answer there.

 

[george.arnold]

If it already has red I’d just flush it well and stick with red.

 

[clx16]

My other vehicles use red so I converted mine over. Last weekend i replaced all the heater hoses and had caked in green stuff in the metal pipes etc. That was even after I ran months on just distilled water to help flush things out. Nothing exploded but put what is the most convenient for you and meets the fsm. Better radiators and airflow make the vehicle cooler, not red vs green. Also depending on where you live i wouldn't worry about how much antifreeze you have vs water until it gets cold or if you are in a very hot area.

I believe the red stuff Napa sells is the equivalent to Toyota red and it is cheaper.

 

[bajaphile]

If the color is not distinguishable, that is a great reason to flush the coolant. The fact that you'll be 3/4 of the way there when replacing the radiator gives you another great reason to flush out the old stuff. You'll be worry free for years to come. I would use the Toyota red if I was going through the hassle of changing it. I would also install new radiator hoses as well.

 

[Squeegee]

If the color is not distinguishable, that is a great reason to flush the coolant. The fact that you'll be 3/4 of the way there when replacing the radiator gives you another great reason to flush out the old stuff. You'll be worry free for years to come. I would use the Toyota red if I was going through the hassle of changing it. I would also install new radiator hoses as well.

It seems like the consensus is to just flush it! And yeah if it was very clearly Toyota red I wouldn’t be worried at all about just adding more! But it’s not super clear anymore. I’m going to see if the dealer has Toyota red and if not I have no problems just swapping to green

thanks!