Is there any harm in having genereric green coolant in a 3rd Gen?

[914rrr]

Before we bought our 2011 Navigator, the selling dealer had a coolant flush with generic green coolant at a Quick Lube place. "A" for effort, "D" for execution
Immediately after purchase, I had our Indy mechanic do another flush and install correct OEM coolant.
The coolant in the tank still looks a litlle green.
Is there any harm with the coolant still being a little green?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Well, IF, and this is a BIG if, that green stuff meets the mfgr's specs (doubtful), then it should be ok, otherwise I would suggest getting it power flushed completely again & refilled with the proper coolant, just to be sure

And for more modern vehicles, it is a BIG no-no to either mix different coolant types or use one with other than factory specs, in order to function correctly & properly protect your engine, but also to maintain the warranty in case any issues develop.

Obviously, this is not the case here, but still better to do it right & be happy !

 

[Dustin Gebhardt]

Traditional green coolant does not have the right make-up to protect aluminum parts and does a poor job at protecting steel and brass at any case. This is the primary reason why older cars (classic/vintage) typically do a flush and fill every 12 months. Dexcool (GM orange stuff) was better at handling aluminum, but still doesn't last very long. The newer P-OAT and H-OAT formulas are great.

 

[914rrr]

Thanks!
I'm familiar with OEM specific coolants for German, Asian and Jeep / Chrysler cars I've owned. Sooo many colors!
Is a DIY flush possible?
What did my Indy mechanic miss when he did the last flush and what to do to insure it has a 100% flush next time?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

what to do to insure it has a 100% flush next time?

Insist on a "Powered back-flow pressure flush" with a good cooling system cleaner before refilling with new coolant...

Easy way to check:

1. Make sure the coolant is full before going to the shop, and be sure you know what it's OEM capacity is.
2. Tell them you expect to see the old coolant that is removed before it gets disposed of.
3. If the refill takes a fair amount less than what was flushed out, then they did NOT do what you asked, and you should insist they do it right... a few ounces difference here or there won't matter, but any more than that is a big red flag !

Also, just an fyi, I've been using the orange stuff in all my vehicles, regardless of make or model for many, many years nottaproblemo !

 

[914rrr]

Thanks for the advice1