Coolant; Red or Green. Which is Better?

[Mark73]

G'day fellas.

Just have a question regarding coolant types please. I'm changing the coolant in the ED tomorrow and I have seen red coolant in the shelves at my local auto supplier. I didn't do much research into it but am wondering if this red coolant is the one to go for these days over the conventional green glycol additive.

Whilst I'm on the subject of changing coolant, the coolant reservoir tank on my car is quite dirty inside and being a sealed unit other than the hose connections and low coolant sensor hole, what is the best way to clean the inside of it (if this is possible that is).

Cheers

[ninespokes]

G'day Mark, you can't be too careful with coolants, certainly never mix them.

I don't know what the red stuff is, but I always use Castrol anti freeze/anti boil, in the Fairlane a 50-50 mix, in the Falcon a 33% mix, and in fact Fords own coolant is actually this Castrol, marketed under Fords own brand.

If not too late, go for green, but be sure to do a thorough flush to get the old stuff out. (including the heater radiator)

I don't know how to clean out the inside of the tank, never worried about it as long as I can see the fluid level.

You can buy Castrol in 2.5 litre containers, if possible mix it with clean rain water, if done thoroughly a three year job, otherwise every two.

Incidentally, your friendly Castrol agent can supply you with a bottle of measuring sticks for testing the PH of the coolant, so you know when it needs changing.

[Mark73]

Thanks Ninespokes for the info.

I will stick with what I know and stay with the conventional 'green' coolant. Apparently the 'red' stuff is suited to later model vehicles anyway. I actually don't need to change the coolant itself but I have to replace the thermostat housing gasket where it bolts to the head as it has blown and leaking, so I will replace that, flush the system and replace the coolant as routine.

The reservoir tank is dirty but the coolant level can still be seen clearly so thanks too for the heads up with that as well. I was just worried that it may contaminate the new coolant but it should be ok.

Cheers

[ninespokes]

Mark, yair, don't worry about the tank going a funny colour. They all do it, but don't affect the efficiency of the cooling system.

I had to replace that tank in our Fairlane ('95 V8) in about 2003, because the plastic had become brittle and it split causing a leak.

Whatever that gunk is that causes discoloration doesn't affect the quality of the coolant. The main thing is you have active coolant in the system, which you can check with those PH sticks.

Hope all that helps,

Bevan.

[Ebenezer]

Anti-freeze/anti boil is watered down ethylene glycol (the reference to 33%, 50% etc) with "bittering" (anti corrosion) additives. I don't know if the color is natural or added.

Interesting that both the workshop manual and owners manual for the 6cyl EB doesn't specify anti-freeze/anti boil unless local conditions require; it only specifies corrosion inhibitor at 5% concentrate.

I'd look at the ingredients; then decide. There is a lot of green and red cordial out there.

-o0o-

I've just replaced the EB reservoir for the second time - this time I had to install the level sensor from the old one. Went well. $14 from pinch-a-part, found a clean one (!). Both previous times they cracked - once killing the battery in the process. Make sure you get one with the brass inserts where the hoses clamp; and note that the locating ridge for the optional sensor can be different (incorrect) when mixing models.


Can't clean 'em - each cell is almost completely enclosed.

[Bass]

ford uses green i think... toyota uses red..... the difference i have no idea.

[Mini1]

Best to stick with what is specified if you are unsure - some obscure formula -Motorcraft R1-3B (5% min) in normal conditions or Motorcraft R1-32/33 if cold or equivalent or subsequent variations.
You might try some kettle de-scaler to clean the tank.

[Mark73]

Yes I have already changed the coolant with genuine Motorcraft R1-3B specific to my model. In the past, I have been using just cheap off the shelf coolant and have suffered some cooling issues in hot weather as a result.

Today in Shepparton's 36 C temperature with the air con going flat out, the gauge did not go beyond the "O" in Normal. The coolant was expensive being Motorcraft, but at least it is doing it's job.

Thanks to all that assisted.

Cheers

[ninespokes]

I'd look at the ingredients; then decide. There is a lot of green and red cordial out there.

Ebenezer, the drivers handbook gives the species for Ford coolant, you will find that Castrol anti freeze/anti boil is the same spec.

Not cordial, it's what protects our engines, cooling systems, believe me, I know, been there, done that.

Of course it's watered down, that's what you mix it with, in the correct proportions.