After changing a hose, I had to refill the cooling system on my 71 toy. I noticed that the coolant that was left in the system was kind of yellow-green (it was very clean, I did not flush the system). I could not recall using any particular type of coolant. The only coolant I had in my garage was orange. I filled up the system with a 20% mix of my orange coolant (I live in Florida). I recall reading something about coolant colors but I could not remember the details neither the original document. Does anyone has opinion about it? Is there a color code for different coolant types? Is there any problem mixing both colors or type?

FLUSH IT NOW!

The green type is the old standard, The red/orange is the newer long life type of antifreeze. You can use either, but DON'T mix them.

Several things happen. One, it can jell. It does not always, but it can. Two, the chemical reaction of the two types actually promote acid and chemical damage in the engine, instead of supplying protection. This is gradual, but a real concern. Three, the coolant antifreeze protection and boiling point are both reduced. Easier to boil, easier to freeze. No matter what the tester says it's good to. Four, the blend does not transfer heat as well.

Other than that, no problem. But those first four are enough.

OK. Clear enough. Looks like I screwed up.
I am going to flush it, rinse it, flush it again and refill.
What coolant would you recommend to go with ?

|UPDATED|9/19/2004 4:45:50 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

"Do you know what your Ralphie said in the car today?"

OOPS!!!

Any coolant is fine. Just don't mix the two types.

OK. I flushed it this morning, rinsed it 3 times and filled it up again with Dex-Cool (Orange) at 33%.

Thanks for the advice.