Big Jim and LarryL,
I could write 1000 words detailing my recent experiences with coolant on my Camry. Suffice it to say that there were no coolant mix-ups, thorough pre-flushing with water was performed, and distilled water was used to make a 50% concentration in both the engine and the recovery tank (verified by measurement). I purchased the Red myself and did all of the work myself at 60K miles. Nobody was as surprised as me that Red was causing my radiator to start to plug-up after 5 months of winter driving, as observed by drawing a little coolant off of the top of the radiator and observing the tubes. I then had the radiator pulled and cleaned professionally, and was told that it tested OK with full-flow, only the few tubes under the radiator cap (all that I could see) were blocked. The radiator cap itself was functional and tested OK, but I replaced it anyway. I was concerned that I might have another problem, like an internal leak, but the Toyota dealer (who did the work) told me that this is a rather common observation to them and that is why they switched to a green coolant. I don't know what the chemical mechanism was that was causing the classic calcium-like blockage in my radiator at 60K miles, and I am puzzled that the original Red in the car when I bought it new did not do this. I greatly suspect that if I had left the Red in my car then my blockage problem probably would have gotton worse - not something I wanted to risk give the hot nature of this engine. Am I a little concerned about Green? Yes, but at this point there is no reason for me to continue to use Red, given my experience.
There! Now you have heard of someone, a middle-aged (rather picky) engineer, who has had a problem with Red! No need to "smell a skunk", just keep an open mind and collect observations. I certainly have nothing to gain by sharing this experience, but I thought that members of the Forum might benefit.
