Toyota Super Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant

this.


When to change...


mileage dependent?
time elapsed dependent?
A bit of both
shelf life?

what does The Science say

 

While not scientific, That’s what came in my truck.
It had over 11 years and 115,000 miles on it when I changed it.

What you should do is, use the recommended type and time/mileage in the owners manual.
I believe, the time/mileage is shorter after the first change. At least that what mine says.

 

How much per gallon compared to the 100% Antifreeze ??

I just took and made my own 50/50 gallon mix .

I thought there might be a mileage on the gallon jug but no

If you have better luck then me When you change hoses or the timing belt or the radiator

 

According to the 1997 owners manual, it’s 24 mo. or 30,000 miles.
I can’t say I know many (if any) that have followed that schedule.
To be honest, I would have never guessed it was that “short”.

If it were my truck, I’d probably do 5yr/50k.
But like @Wyoming09 said, you’ll probably be doing something else by then that has you changing the fluid.

 

Where do you get the Yota antifreeze and how much

Any links to good deals?

 

Amazon has it too just ordered 2 gallons only because I don’t want to drive all the way to the dealership which is a good clip away

 

2nd Gen service interval is 100,000 miles for replacement.

Prior to that.....add as needed.

 

don't they make little testers for this? I usually change my coolant when the timing belt/water pump is changed.

 

Yes, there are testers for antifreeze.

I don't trust the readings from these gadgets.

Last one I had was off. I checked the "freeze level" of a newly opened gallon of Peak 50/50 mix. Should have been about -35F. The gadget only indicated -20F. Checked 2 more new gallons.....same result. The gadget was binned.

I just don't believe Peak would have a batch of -20F in a -35F bottle. The liability potential would be ginormus to replace 1000's of cracked blocks.

 

What did you use? Was it a tool or a test strip type thing?

 

Sounds like he used a tool. OTOH there is one that has a turkey baster bulb and a float that is supposed to be able to ballpark the freeze temp of the coolant.


For my 6.7l Powerstroke there are test strips that you use at specific intervals to determine the quality of the coolant and its additives.

 

"Testing" a coolant will do little more than determine whether it can resist freezing. It will do nothing to check for the depleted additive pack.

Remember.....a coolant serves 2 purposes. #1 To cool the engine/provide heat. #2 Help to prevent internal corrosion of the cooling system.....something water alone can't do and something coolant loses the ability to do as it ages.

You can also save some money and buy Valvoline Zerex Pink. It's a premixed silicate and borate free P-HOAT formula that's perfect for Toyotas. $13 at Walmart. It's basically identical to SLLC.

 

'ages' by miles driven, time-elapsed or a bit of both

what is The Science of it all?

30k.. 60k.. 90k.. longer?

 

It will be different for every single truck.
Everyone uses their truck differently.
The answer you are looking for really can’t be given, as we don’t own, use or drive, your truck.

Toyota says, 24 months or 30k miles.
And I’m betting there was a lot of science involved with manufacturing the cooling system.

While I’m not 100% certain, I do believe that your truck used LLC from the factory.
Where as the coolant you are inquiring about is SLLC.

If you want to know the difference, here is a good link
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/long-life-vs-super-long-life-coolant.446939/

 

Time and mileage both play a factor.

Most people just don't think about coolant. But it does need to changed once in awhile to maintain proper corrosion protection. As for how long it can last? Generally speaking SLLC is around 5 years/100k miles.....though some models are reported to call for 10 year/150k. LLC is usually 2 years/30k miles. Your '97 came with the LLC. No worries though....it's compatible with SLLC regardless of what people say.

In my opinion catching coolant early and doing a simple drain and fill (DAF) on the radiator every couple of years will thwart most internal rot. With that in mind, it's better to stick with OE or Zerex Pink juice to keep the color consistent.....though the color itself isn't that important. I personally just don't like mixing different colors just because it's messier looking.

My rig is 5.5 years old and I've done 2 DAFs in the last couple of years.

The only Toyota the Zerex isn't in is my wife's '19 Corolla. But it will in the future. Been running it for years in several of our vehicles and family's vehicles.

 

That's because the '97 came with LLC which had the shorter interval.

Also....if you opted for the LLC it is not premixed and must be cut 50/50 with distilled water

 

Yes, I was pretty sure of this.
To be honest, OP is wanting to know the scientifically.
So, best answer I got is the one Toyota gives us.

 

Ok...

I used a bulb gadget with a "floating" needle. It wasn't the type with the floating balls.

Used Peak 50/50 mix "Red" for Asian vehicles that meets Toyota requirements.

I have a Gen 2 with a 100,000 change interval. Sorry, I don't know the interval for Gen 1, so check your manual.

 

Yea this is true for the initial fluid, then it’s 50K.

 

Google might help with the science. Also...there's a coolant section on BITOG site. Might find something there....or better yet, sign up and ask a question. Lotta smart folks over there. You might also find out what a waste Amsoil and Royal Purple oil are and just how good Walmart SuperTech is.

I enjoy hanging out there

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/forums/cooling-system-fluids-additives.35/