Buying '05, coolant question

[Lordsman]

I'm thinking of buying a 2005 Ram. Looking through the repair receipts show water pump, thermostat, and coolant was replaced about 8000 miles ago by owners mechanic.. The mechanic used "green coolant" according to
the invoice. Is this bad for the motor? I've heard HOAT is recommended. If I buy it should I get that stuff out of there?
I am also getting ready to change the coolant in my 2003 Ram. So want to be sure to use the correct stuff. Thanks

 

[seafish]

IIRC, HOAT was one of the first extended life coolants available, which is why it was spec'd in our trucks. It was INCOMPATIBLE with other coolant TYPES, though there is conflicting info on whether that is still true. I am sure that others will chime in!!! If the mechanic did a COMPLETE flush there should be no issues, though you should find out what kind of coolant he used so that you can continue maintenance at correct intervals. Unfortunately, COLOR is no longer necessarily indicative of coolant type.

 

[seafish]

oops double post deleted.

 

[Wayne M.]

The factory fill is known as Zerex GO5 HOAT "Gold" coolant. It's good stuff if used properly.
I agree if there was a total flush you should find out what was put in and make a decision. Coolants can be tricky to identify. Color means little.

 

[lpennock]

HOAT is compatible with OAT and the older "green" stuff. If mixed with the older stuff, service interval is reduced to 3/36 from 5/100. Dexcool (OAT) has a tendency to corrode aluminum if any air is in the system which is why HOAT came about.

 

[seafish]

HOAT is compatible with OAT and the older "green" stuff. If mixed with the older stuff, service interval is reduced to 3/36 from 5/100. Dexcool (OAT) has a tendency to corrode aluminum if any air is in the system which is why HOAT came about.

Could you please reference a source for your claim that HOAT is compatible with OAT or Prestone "regular" coolant. I am NOT trying to be snotty or difficult, but just about EVERYTHING that I have read indicates that HOAT is NOT compatible with other types of coolant,t hus the need for a COMPLETE flush if swtiching coolant types for some reason.

IMO, just easier NOT to switch, but would still like to see a source for your claim.

 

[lpennock]

Could you please reference a source for your claim that HOAT is compatible with OAT or Prestone "regular" coolant. I am NOT trying to be snotty or difficult, but just about EVERYTHING that I have read indicates that HOAT is NOT compatible with other types of coolant,t hus the need for a COMPLETE flush if swtiching coolant types for some reason.

IMO, just easier NOT to switch, but would still like to see a source for your claim.

You can do internet search and you will find numerous quotes of Dr. Paul Fritz, senior coolants technologist for ChevronTexaco Products Co. that are similar to “Nothing bad will happen” when two brand-name coolants with different corrosion inhibitor technologies are mixed. By this he means that no sludge will form, there will be no damaging chemical reactions and the coolant will still carry heat and protect against freezing.

He also goes on to state that as you will be reducing life to the shortest interval of the two types with would be 3/30 of the IAT (green stuff).

BTW: I made a mistake when I said OAT corroded Aluminum radiators. It is actually the lead in solder on copper radiators.

There are a numerous valid reasons to use the correct antifreeze but just because the wrong one was used the engine won't melt down. Now on a Ford 7.3 it is a different story. That engine needs SCA to control cavitation and the wrong coolant will cause the cylinder walls to deteriorate.

 

[wildbill]

Zerex (yellow) and Mopar (orange) are the only ones I'm aware of that's compatible. He probably ran the green stuff cause he knew he was gonna trade it off.

See if the receipt specifies what brand was installed. I'm already gonna guess it's the wrong stuff.

 

[rashwor]

I have run Prestone 50/50 premix in my Rams since 1992 with no issues. I change the factory fill at about 2 years and then change every 2 years after that. This is just what has worked for me, no flaming necessary.

 

[Lordsman]

Update on the truck... I'm not buying it. Title issues had also delayed purchase for 3 months. That gave me plenty of time to check things further.
I could not trust the mechanic who had been working on the truck. More than the coolant question came injector questions as fuel filter had not been changed in over 110,000 miles.
Just updating to let those who responded to me. Thank you for your input, Mike.

 

[Wayne M.]

Sorry to hear of the deal gone bad. Keep looking, they're out there for the picking.