Toyota Red coolant?

[JohnBrowning]

Do not I repeat do not but Bars Leak into your Toyota! Modern high effecientcy denso heater cores will plug up if you put BarsLeak into the cooling system. GM had a huge issues on the CTS when it first came out with no heat situation in the CTS. THey found that the stopleak being used was pluging up the Denso heater cores they were useing!

Most vechiles do this over time. I would replace the lost coolant with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Keep and eye on things and do not let the resovoir get depleted to that extent again. It would be a good idea to check all of the hoses and make sure the area they attach to is clean and clear of deposits.

I doubt your hoses are bad but if you like now would be a good time to replace them and flush the cooling system.

P.S. Is this a recent development or have you had to top off the resovoir before? I ask because I find that I have to top off my resovoir with some filtered water ever 6 months or so. If you have gone 4 years with out topping off I can see why the resovoir is empty.

 

[Roadking]

Hi JohnBrowning,
I did spend $15.25 at the Toyota dealer for a gallon of the "red" stuff today. I bought the van in June 04 from a Toyota dealer who serviced it and should have topped off all the fluids? I did a M1 oil change in November and didn't look a the resovoir, guess I should have. I just noticed it when I was filling the washer fluid on Friday, so I really don't know how long it been low. All the hoses look new, so I think I'm good to go. I'll keep my eye on the fluid level from now on. along with the oil changes. It's a great van! Thanks for your tips.

p.s.
I did use distilled water in the system. I doubt it's ever been opened.

 

[Roadking]

Is the Toyota dealer the only place to buy the "red" coolant for my Toyota?
My 2001 Sienna is leaching coolant (looks like powder) around the upper radiator hose ends? and my over-flow bucket is empty. I’ve been looking for the red type coolant at the parts stores to which I’ve been given a blank stare or told to just use the green stuff. Doesn’t sound like a good idea to mix them?
Any ideas?

 

[W.T.McGlynn]

Subject: Toyota RED Coolant

DON'T mix coolant !

Bite the bullet and get some at the Stealership.Also put some "Barr"s Leak" in the system.

The "Big Three" use it as a factory fill. I have used it for years.
Don't leave home with out it.
Good Luck.....

 

[Alan]

I've replaced Toyota red with Zerex G-05 with good results.I plan to change an 00 Camry from the red stuff to Zerex.

 

[Marlin]

Zerex, Peak, and others have the new 1 for all coolant's on the market. It works on ALL makes and models with long life coolant, even those without.

 

[LubeOiler]

I agree with JB. I put some in my 94 Hardbody PU a year ago it quit using coolent but started running hot. Without going into detail I used the truck this winter and yesterday put in a new Radiator to hopefully cool the engine down in the hot summer. I am going to send a sample to Blackstone to be sure the head gasket is OK. This should put my cooling system trouble behind me now.