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AlexJet
10-13-2009, 09:51 AM
I bought 2001 4Runner and need to change cooling fluid.
I'm assuming that my truck has Long Life coolant. My other truck ('05 4Runner) has Super Long Life coolant. As I understand Toyota switched to SLL in +/- 2003.
My question is: what needs to be done and if this is a good idea to switch '01 to SLL?
I've heard that I can't mix them. LL is Red and SLL is pink. LL needs to be diluted with water (is it distilled or tap one?) while SLL is ready to go one.
Seanz0rz
10-13-2009, 09:58 AM
i use only distilled water, unless its an emergency. keeps the cooling system going that much longer with out major maintenance.
4x4mike
10-13-2009, 12:45 PM
Go to the dealer and get the red stuff for your year.
CJM
10-13-2009, 01:54 PM
Yep I like the red stuff too
MTL_4runner
10-13-2009, 01:57 PM
That's a complete no-brainer IMHO.....
Definately switch to the SLL pink coolant, especially if you live where it freezes regularly.
AlexJet
10-13-2009, 06:14 PM
That's a complete no-brainer IMHO.....
Definately switch to the SLL pink coolant, especially if you live where it freezes regularly.



Jamie,
The question is that they can not be mixed. I'd love to do it to maintain commonality of my liquids. Question how to do it?
MTL_4runner
10-14-2009, 09:57 AM
Jamie,
The question is that they can not be mixed. I'd love to do it to maintain commonality of my liquids. Question how to do it?


Alex, the answer is that you can mix them, but you will be diluting the long life aspect of the coolant if they are mixed to any great extent. The best option would be to completely drain the coolant from your system and refill with the Toyota long-life pink coolant. If there is a little residual red coolant left in the system, you will certainly not be doing any damage when you refill. Just be sure to dispose of your old coolant responsibly (ie take it to a garage for recycling).
AlexJet
10-14-2009, 05:43 PM
Alex, the answer is that you can mix them, but you will be diluting the long life aspect of the coolant if they are mixed to any great extent. The best option would be to completely drain the coolant from your system and refill with the Toyota long-life pink coolant. If there is a little residual red coolant left in the system, you will certainly not be doing any damage when you refill. Just be sure to dispose of your old coolant responsibly (ie take it to a garage for recycling).


When I talked to Toyota North America, they mentioned to me that those coolants are different chemicals and mixing them will result in gelling, clogging and corrosion. Where did you find information that Long Life and Super Long Life can be mixed...? I couldn't find such info. :headscratch:
I'd like to change, but so far I can't find mechanics who will be willing of doing it. (Its too cold outside to do it myself, around 0 degrees)
MTL_4runner
10-15-2009, 08:36 AM
When I talked to Toyota North America, they mentioned to me that those coolants are different chemicals and mixing them will result in gelling, clogging and corrosion. Where did you find information that Long Life and Super Long Life can be mixed...? I couldn't find such info. :headscratch:
I'd like to change, but so far I can't find mechanics who will be willing of doing it. (Its too cold outside to do it myself, around 0 degrees)


Let me just start out with the fact that I advocate doing a complete flush (with a garden hose) and fill. That being said, if you are not in a position to do that, your engine will not be negatively impacted by simply draining all the coolant you can from the system and then refilling with the SLL coolant. Not sure who you spoke with at Toyota, but I have been running the SLL in my truck for quite some time with no issues (gelling, clogging or corrosion) whatsoever. Both coolants contain phosphates but the long life coolant also contains an OAT formula which gives the coolant its SLL characteristics. If it worries you that badly, then just stick with the red stuff and hope you get the coolant/water mix right because it's pretty unforgiving when the temp occasionally hits -40 in winter.
AlexJet
10-15-2009, 11:47 AM
You mentioned LL.
Toyota has Super Long Life and Long Life. I have LL, but was looking to chage to SLL.
Are you refering to SLL or LL in your post?
My understanding that Toyota start putting LL in 2000 and then switched to SLL in 2003-4. My 2005 has SLL as of example.
MTL_4runner
10-16-2009, 02:03 PM
You mentioned LL.
Toyota has Super Long Life and Long Life. I have LL, but was looking to chage to SLL.
Are you refering to SLL or LL in your post?
My understanding that Toyota start putting LL in 2000 and then switched to SLL in 2003-4. My 2005 has SLL as of example.


I edited my post above to hopefully match with your terminology. Toyota really only has two formulations of coolant right now, red and pink. The LL coolant is simply a revision of the older phosphate-based red coolant while the newer SLL coolant added the OAT (organic acid technology).