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What color should my antifreeze be: orange or green?


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Ditto. Keep it green.

 

 

Funny though, cause when I pour in the Shell stuff it's actually blue. As time passes and the myriad of chemical reactions take place it starts to turn green...

 

Red/orange stuff is a different base fluid, and they don't mix with blue/green.

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Do not mix orange and green; they are not compatible. Green was the old standard and is still more than adequate. I've used orange in the past, but it has a tendency to seep out at the slightest opportunity from a loose hose clamp or faulty seal. Although I never had any trouble with orange and there are some good reasons of using it, I switched back to green after a thorough flushing of the system.

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Been using orange Prestone Longlife (5 years or 240,000 kilometers) since I have the car (almost 6 years) and have had no problems. Claims to contain no silicates and phosphates, to be specialy recommended for aluminum radiators and to improve water pump life.

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It is my personal opinion that regular antifreeze changes can help one to avoid the headgasket problem, and other radiator problems. I like to change it every two years, dilute 60/40 it with distilled water, and use the coolant treatment from the dealer, which costs less than two bucks. I don't know if this will prevent head gasket problems, but it certainly can't hurt.

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I switched my 97 OB to the "Orange" anti-freeze years ago with no problem. It it kinder to bearings, etc. I used (Texaco) Havoline brand as it was recommended by someone I trust.

 

However, do not let it go for 5 years. You are pushing your luck. Some of the brands don't even have enough additives to meet the specs I've heard.

 

If you are switching, it is imperative to get ALL the old anti-freeze out. Do 2 or 3 flushes. If you have more than 10% of the green stuff left, it will cause a slimy gooey gunk in your cooling system as the 2 don't mix well.

 

Commuter

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