Green or Orange coolant

[PLRX]

I'm going to flush the cooling system next weekend. While at it, I'll be changing the 180 for a 160 stat and, a new "rusty" Optic Spark. The $1 question: Should I use GREEN or ORANGE coolant?

 

[jim coulter]

I would use whatever is already in it. I think the orange gets a bad rap, but if your cap is working properly and you change it more frquently than they say it should be good . My wifes 98 blazer has orange and have never had a problem except the heater core plugged. Changed radiator cap and put new stuff in(orange) and has been cooling great. Looks clean when you open cap and look inside.

 

[Edmond]

I would stick with whatever is in it right now. It's worked for this long and has served the motor well so why change?

 

[PLRX]

GREEN will be...

Thanks

 

[Edmond]

This will also be a good time to check the hoses. If there is any doubt, change the hoses. You should be able to get both the upper and lower hoses for $25.

 

[Tuna]

I tend to support the 'whatever it already has' suggestion. Both work well.

The orange stuff is what I use in every car - even the old 92 which came with green. If you switch between green to orange, the system needs to be clean and flushed of all green stuff or you lose the extended life of the orange. I mean truely clean and flushed.

Like was mentioned, the orange does not like to have any air in the system so a regular check of the radiator cap and keeping the coolant reservior filled is a good idea. If there is any goo-like build up on the radiator cap, air is getting in some where. If not taken care of, the goo will plug up the heater core and the radiator core.

The coolant system is not a 'fill and forget' system whether you use green or orange stuff.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dean Barker]

I would go with the orange. You may have to change it after a short time if your old system was dirty or you didn't clean it up as the orange does an excellent job of cleaning as well as protecting the system from future corrosion. I have used orange for about 10 years in everything with excellent results.