GM Dexcool vs Toyota Red

[Ray H]

They're not the same, but DEX-COOL will work. Toyota "red" uses hybrid corrosion protection of OAT and phosphates. DEX-COOL relies on OAT for corrosion protection. More importantly, what was used to dilute the fresh antifreeze - distilled/de-ionized water or unfiltered tap water of unknown hardness out of a garden hose?

 

[ARB1977]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ray H:
They're not the same, but DEX-COOL will work. Toyota "red" uses hybrid corrosion protection of OAT and phosphates. DEX-COOL relies on OAT for corrosion protection. More importantly, what was used to dilute the fresh antifreeze - distilled/de-ionized water or unfiltered tap water of unknown hardness out of a garden hose?

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we used tap water from the hose. Im almost temped to take my truck in to toyota to have the system flushed out.

 

[ARB1977]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ray H:
They're not the same, but DEX-COOL will work. Toyota "red" uses hybrid corrosion protection of OAT and phosphates. DEX-COOL relies on OAT for corrosion protection. More importantly, what was used to dilute the fresh antifreeze - distilled/de-ionized water or unfiltered tap water of unknown hardness out of a garden hose?

---

we used tap water from the hose. Im almost temped to take my truck in to toyota to have the system flushed out.

 

[Mickey_M]

The Toyota coolant is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, as is DexCool.

DexCool does NOT contain phosphates while the Toyota coolant, in common with other Japanese coolants, does.

The Toyota coolant does NOT use 2-EHA (2-ethylhexanoic acid) as part of its OAT package, DexCool does.

Zerex recommends their DexCool clone, Zerex ExtremeLife, for 1997 and up Toyotas. But they recommend their Zerex G-05, a HOAT, for Honda.

The reason is that Honda has taken a firm stand against coolants containing 2-EHA.

Also the Zerex G-05 and similar coolants contain a small amount of silicate, which performs the same function as the phosphates in the Japanese coolants.

So, they are similar but not the same, and the Toyota coolant could be replaced with DexCool or its clones, or G-05 or its clones, each of which have slightly different advantages.

 

[ARB1977]

Thanks mickey im going to have the system flushed with the right stuff. Ive always been if a manufacture recommends something like this use it but i dont know were my head was when we did it.

 

[ARB1977]

Are these pretty much the same coolant? My buddy helped me install a new fan clutch since ill be moving from Cali to Texas so i decided at the same time just drain out the radiator so to fill it back up he used some GM Dexcool in my system. Thanks.

 

[m2200b]

I'd run it a year even with San Jose water. Check the Santa Clara water site if you want to see what you put in 50/50 on hardness.

 

[m2200b]

Classification mg/l or ppm
Soft 0 - 17.1
Slightly hard 17.1 - 60
Moderately hard 60 - 120
Hard 120 - 180
Very hard 180 & over

Feb San Jose water 87-106 depending on where
you filled.

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

use distilled, run it through and through, several drains. Distilled is cheap, minerals grinding your seals expensive!

 

[Cutehumor]

sorry to hijack your thread. I'm in a similar situation. Bought a 06 Vibe (basically a toyota matrix) coolant interval is 5 yr/100k miles and it states to use dexcool when changing.

 

[Ray H]

Note that GM fills Honda engined Saturn Vue cooling systems with DEX-COOL despite Honda's reservations concerning that fluid. I've yet to read any problems with GM's practice. The two companies are obviously polarized in how they approach coolant chemistry. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

 

[muddawgs]

the dealer may use good ole green. so be specific if/when you have it done. if you can change you oil then you should have no probs draining and refilling with good tap or distilled a few times and then mix the toyota red. dont use soft water. i've had to burp both of my 3.4l when i flushed my 4Runner and Tacoma. either pull in up on ramps or on a few patio blocks. it will burp on its own in time anyway. i used toy red in my tacoma and G-05 (on AZ clearance table for $2.50, i bought all 6 bottles)in the 4Runner.

 

[ScottB]

I just went out to check on the coolant on my new SCION tC, and that new pink stuff is sure slippery!
I hadn't dealt with that stuff before, and man it's slick.

I went down on my motorcycle about 10 years ago on spilt anti-freeze, and I dread the thought of this stuff spilled on the road!

Scott