Antifreeze Question
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From: High Point, NC
Antifreeze Question
I'm in the process of changing out my antifreeze and installing a block heater. As I'm draining the old antifreeze, I noticed it was a 'rusty brown' color. I know the old green stuff would change color as it got old, but since I've never seen any of the new 'orange' antifreeze, I wasn't sure what this stuff was.
My main reason from asking is for disposal. If this is the old green stuff, then I want to dispose of it properly, if it's the new orange stuff, then I can pour it in the drain culvert out back.
My main reason from asking is for disposal. If this is the old green stuff, then I want to dispose of it properly, if it's the new orange stuff, then I can pour it in the drain culvert out back.
More Turbo
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From: Henniker
Mark, no way I know of telling weather ethelyn glycol or propelene glycol, (safe or non safe). Best thing to do is stop by Jiffy Lube. I have been told they will take used oil and coolant. Or just about any automotive shop will also. better be safe than sorry.
Brian
Brian
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by MarkMoore
I'm in the process of changing out my antifreeze and installing a block heater. As I'm draining the old antifreeze, I noticed it was a 'rusty brown' color. I know the old green stuff would change color as it got old, but since I've never seen any of the new 'orange' antifreeze, I wasn't sure what this stuff was.
My main reason from asking is for disposal. If this is the old green stuff, then I want to dispose of it properly, if it's the new orange stuff, then I can pour it in the drain culvert out back.
My main reason from asking is for disposal. If this is the old green stuff, then I want to dispose of it properly, if it's the new orange stuff, then I can pour it in the drain culvert out back.
In '02 or '03...they started using GOLD. Which is supposed to last longer...and extending the change intervals. It is possible to change over from GREEN to GOLD...but all...ALL the GREEN would need to be completely flushed...and then replaced with GOLD. They cannot be used together.
IMO...the coolant should be taken to a proper disposal site.
biz
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From: Northwest Indiana
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From: High Point, NC
I collected all of it and will take it to a parts place for disposal.
I replaced it with fresh green stuff and distilled water.
Also I was told something this weekend that I thought I would pass on - this is purely from a single source, so please don't kill the messenger. My neighbor, who onws his own Volvo shop, to me to stay away from the 'orange' antifreeze. He got a TSB form Volvo stating not use it because it was causing accelerated corosion to the hoses and seals.
I replaced it with fresh green stuff and distilled water.
Also I was told something this weekend that I thought I would pass on - this is purely from a single source, so please don't kill the messenger. My neighbor, who onws his own Volvo shop, to me to stay away from the 'orange' antifreeze. He got a TSB form Volvo stating not use it because it was causing accelerated corosion to the hoses and seals.
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From: Long Island USA
I worked on a '95 GM with that orange stuff in it - in 3 years, it had turned to what basically could be called "honey". And rusty as all heck.
I'll stick with the green - it gives me a reason to go over the cooling system every 2 years
I also use propylene glycol based green stuff.
I'll stick with the green - it gives me a reason to go over the cooling system every 2 years
I also use propylene glycol based green stuff.
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From: Burnsville, MN
Wait a minute. Is this stuff yellow, or orange. I.e., does it come from the factory yellow, and then turn orange over time/use, or is it orange when new?
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From: Florida
Owners manual calls it 'yellow' but I assume that means more 'greenish' since they further go on to talk about 'orange' (VC-2) in the manual (pg 235 on my 2005 Ex)...for me that distinction in the manual using 'orange' and 'yellow' lead me to beleive 'yellow' = 'green' VC-7 I believe is the correct numbers...
joe.
joe.
Last edited by X_Hemi_Guy; Jan 7, 2008 at 12:13 PM.
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
Owners manual calls it 'yellow' but I assume that means more 'greenish' since they further go on to talk about 'orange' (VC-2) in the manual (pg 235 on my 2005 Ex)...for me that distinction in the manual using 'orange' and 'yellow' lead me to beleive 'yellow' = 'green' VC-7 I believe is the correct numbers...
joe.
joe.
green = green (it really is a green color)
gold or yellow = yellow (kind of yellowish gold color)
Orange = Orange (it really is an orange color)
[This orange coolant is NEVER to be used in our V10 engines.]
Hope that helps some...
biz
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From: Florida
Originally Posted by biz4two
Actually...that is completely incorrect with regard to your assumption.
I did read your post and must have mis-read it...I thought you said Green or Gold as in the same...not two different.
When flushing I always completely flush things a few times...
SO there are really three types of anti-freeze out there?...I guess I never paid much attention to color before...I always thought there was anti-freeze and extended life anti-freeze...I'm still not sure what the yellow and green differ by (other than the obvious color)...additives? Life length? is the yellow pre-mixed 50/50?...sorry...I just want to understand what's different...
My 2005 manual states VC7 is acceptable (yellow) so I guess I just need to go by the VC7 designator as I'm sure Wally world don't want me popping the foil to see color!
But I always buy by mfg recommended #'s...so I would have been fine...the VC7 sounds to be 'Gold' stuff if I understand your post Biz. Does Prestone make all three? What about Peak and the other mfg's of anti-freeze?...I'm glad Mark started this thread...I'm not changing mine for a few months but at least I've got some more info now...The VC2 (orange) is 'extended-life' stuff...usually supposedly good for 100,000 miles between changes...per my understanding...
Thanks for the clarification...
joe.
Last edited by X_Hemi_Guy; Jan 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM.
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From: Albuquerque
Originally Posted by X_Hemi_Guy
I did say it was an assumption...which...well you say is wrong...and I'm fine with that...
I did read your post and must have mis-read it...I thought you said Green or Gold as in the same...not two different.
When flushing I always completely flush things a few times...
SO there are really three types of anti-freeze out there?...I guess I never paid much attention to color before...I always thought there was anti-freeze and extended life anti-freeze...I'm still not sure what the yellow and green differ by (other than the obvious color)...additives? Life length? is the yellow pre-mixed 50/50?...sorry...I just want to understand what's different...
My 2005 manual states VC7 is acceptable (yellow) so I guess I just need to go by the VC7 designator as I'm sure Wally world don't want me popping the foil to see color! But I always buy by mfg recommended #'s...so I would have been fine...the VC7 sounds to be 'Gold' stuff if I understand your post Biz. Does Prestone make all three? What about Peak and the other mfg's of anti-freeze?...I'm glad Mark started this thread...I'm not changing mine for a few months but at least I've got some more info now...
The VC2 (orange) is 'extended-life' stuff...usually supposedly good for 100,000 miles between changes...per my understanding...
Thanks for the clarification...
joe.
I did read your post and must have mis-read it...I thought you said Green or Gold as in the same...not two different.
When flushing I always completely flush things a few times...
SO there are really three types of anti-freeze out there?...I guess I never paid much attention to color before...I always thought there was anti-freeze and extended life anti-freeze...I'm still not sure what the yellow and green differ by (other than the obvious color)...additives? Life length? is the yellow pre-mixed 50/50?...sorry...I just want to understand what's different...
My 2005 manual states VC7 is acceptable (yellow) so I guess I just need to go by the VC7 designator as I'm sure Wally world don't want me popping the foil to see color!
But I always buy by mfg recommended #'s...so I would have been fine...the VC7 sounds to be 'Gold' stuff if I understand your post Biz. Does Prestone make all three? What about Peak and the other mfg's of anti-freeze?...I'm glad Mark started this thread...I'm not changing mine for a few months but at least I've got some more info now...The VC2 (orange) is 'extended-life' stuff...usually supposedly good for 100,000 miles between changes...per my understanding...
Thanks for the clarification...
joe.
Here are the differences as I know them for the 3 different coolants in this discussion. All in Motorcraft trim...as I do not use the aftermarket products and cannot comment on that.
Originally Posted by biz4two
Green = 30,000 mile change interval
VC-4
GOLD (yellow) = 60,000 mile change interval
VC-7
Orange = 100,000 mile change interval
VC-2 and VC-3
VC-4
GOLD (yellow) = 60,000 mile change interval
VC-7
Orange = 100,000 mile change interval
VC-2 and VC-3
X_Hemi ... sorry if I came off a bit harsh in my previous post. That was not my intention.
Hope this info helps...
biz
Last edited by biz4two; Jan 8, 2008 at 10:50 PM.