Dexcool: Maybe not for Toyotas

[Drew99GT]

After searching the Toyota forums, I found a decent number of cases where people filled their Toyotas with phosphate free Dexcool (after using Toyota red which is silicate free but DOES contain phosphates) and within weeks to a few months, had dead water pumps and leaky radiators. I also ran across this great chart that explains in detail the various antifreeze formulas and it indeed states that "Yes, DexCools also are OATs, but these Japanese formulas are not DexCool, and the two car companies have indicated they absolutely,
positively don’t want DexCool type coolants used in their vehicles." (also referring to Honda)

Apparently the phosphates in Toyota red are quite essential if you have been using Toyota red for the life of your vehicle. I'm just gonna suck it up and bend over at the Toyota dealer parts counter for the 18 or so bucks for Toyota red. Couldn't find it any cheaper online. I don't want a dead water pump in my Corolla from trying to save a few bucks.

Is there another coolent that has phosphates but is silicate free OTHER than Toyota red?

 

[charbaby]

Shop other Toyota dealers in your area and see if there is any price saving difference. Also, keep in mind that $18.00 is cheaper than a several hundred dollar radiator or water pump. Besides, the Toyota Red is "Long Life" an needent be replaced but every 3+ years.

 

[Pbert25]

Well some dealers Toyota Pink is less expensive than Toyota Red and it works fine in cars that use Toyota Red. I've had Dex Cool in My MAtrix when I had it for a few times. I had one flush where it was filled with Dex Cool and I had some Havoline Dex Cool in it as well. No real problems.

 

[Tempest]

I wonder how the Amsoil Coolant would do? They say it is for use in all vehicles and is about the same price that you are quoting.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

I would go with the Amsoil coolant if it's nearly the same price.

 

[Cutehumor]

my vibe is filled with the pink stuff, I wonder about all those owners that don't know it's a toyota and go by the manual. it says to use dexcool..but then again..it says it is good for 10yrs/150k miles.

 

[Drew99GT]

I've found that Zerex traditional green coolant is low silicate (not free but low), has phosphates, and is a 5 year/100,000 mile antifreeze. I may give that a try. 5 bucks a gallon is MUCH better!

 

[Tones]

Drew, the Toyota dealers near me put the coolant on sale once in a while for ~$13. I usually wait till then. I have been using the Red. Probably will keep doing so. Coolant system is quite clean and clear. Need to change it soon though. The G-05 is quite tempting.

 

[mooboy]

I inherited a 1994 Toyota P/U from my Dad three years ago. When I first got the truck the coolant looked original and was a nasty brown color with sediment. I did repeated drain/fill flushes with distilled water and then used Prestone Dexclone. Three years later and no problems with Harrison radiator with plastic end caps or with the water pump. I did drain/fill radiator only at two year mark with 50/50 mix of same. Antifreeze drained was clear looked new.

 

[JohnBrowning]

My Dad had Toyota red for about 3 years then we replaced it with Dexcool. It has had Dexcool init for years and has not had any problems at all.