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Does my 2011 need Orange Antifreeze? If so, why?

sledge

New member
I'm kinda new ... but I saw somewhere or heard from somebody that my 2011 Spyder has to have like, Orange Antifreeze ... is that true, and if so, why is that >??
 
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The general rule of thumb is that you don't want to mix anti-freeze products. The orange coolants use organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that have nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion. It's best to stick with this technology. But you can use other products that are aluminum component friendly. Though you will need to completely flush all previous antifreeze out of the system. It's just best to go with the orange.
 
I'm kinda new ... but I saw somewhere or heard from somebody that my 2011 Spyder has to have like, Orange Antifreeze ... is that true, and if so, why is that >??

I was told, NEVER mix One Type with Another Type, & each type are a Different Color!
 
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The general rule of thumb is that you don't want to mix anti-freeze products. The orange coolants use organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that have nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion. It's best to stick with this technology. But you can use other products that are aluminum component friendly. Though you will need to completely flush all previous antifreeze out of the system. It's just best to go with the orange.

Thanks Ron . thats what I will do.
 
i'm kinda new ... but I saw somewhere or heard from somebody that my 2011 Spyder has to have like , Orange Antifreeze ... is that true, and if so , why is that >??

The answer to your question is that the OEM antifreeze that came in the 2011 RT from the factory is the green stuff, not the orange stuff. This isn't the 60's anymore. Modern day green coolant contains all the additives that you need for aluminum cooling system components, and perfectly fine for the 998, despite what you heard from somebody.

What color is in there now? If it's green, just stay with that. Going through all of the work to change colors of coolant is an exercise in futility that buys you absolutely nothing...and orange is not the color that came in it. Just perform the coolant system maintenance as required. (But, I guess it's already too late. )
 
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The answer to your question is that the OEM antifreeze that came in the 2011 RT from the factory is the green stuff, not the orange stuff. This isn't the 60's anymore. Modern day green coolant contains all the additives that you need for aluminum engine components, and perfectly fine for the 998.

What color is in there now?

the truth is I can't see any... and I'm not sure , I was just told they had this special Orange in it. but like Ron said might be best to just stay with the same stuff.
 
The general rule of thumb is that you don't want to mix anti-freeze products. The orange coolants use organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that have nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion. It's best to stick with this technology. But you can use other products that are aluminum component friendly. Though you will need to completely flush all previous antifreeze out of the system. It's just best to go with the orange.

hey Ron ... one more question because I know you would know ... what is a good code reader for my 2011 Spyder RT ???
 
the truth is I can't see any... and I'm not sure , I was just told they had this special Orange in it. but like Ron said might be best to just stay with the same stuff.

Using a high powered flashlight, shine it into the bottom of the plastic coolant tank, from inside the right front fender. Put the light right up against the bottom of the tank.

Edit: right front wheel well might be a better choice of words instead of fender, but you’ll figure it out.
 
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Additionally caution with the drain plug, unfortunately some have tendency to break. Recommended flush & replacing fluid every 2yr. :thumbup:
 
The answer to your question is that the OEM antifreeze that came in the 2011 RT from the factory is the green stuff, not the orange stuff. This isn't the 60's anymore. Modern day green coolant contains all the additives that you need for aluminum cooling system components, and perfectly fine for the 998, despite what you heard from somebody.

What color is in there now? If it's green, just stay with that. Going through all of the work to change colors of coolant is an exercise in futility that buys you absolutely nothing...and orange is not the color that came in it. Just perform the coolant system maintenance as required. (But, I guess it's already too late. )

:agree: .....it would be very difficult to get an Absolute flush, and you don't want any possibility of those two anti-freezes to MIX ..... If you have to re-move the large rubber hose to be sure of what you have ( green or orange ) it's worth the peace of mind knowing EXACTLY what in there .....JMHO .... Mike:thumbup:
 
Coolant COLOR

:popcorn:....Well, your Spyder had a green coolant from the Factory.
Today the coolant may be a different color.
Why, because some people have now switched over to the 'Orange' coolant.

I would check out which color of coolant you have and replace it with the 'same color'.
It is not a big deal and it is a easy thing to do.

Your Spyder and you can do whatever you want to do.

My Tip: Stay with the current 'color'. .....:coffee:
 
A lot of good advise. For coolant. It is easiest and best to stay with the color that comes in your Spyder. I didn't. But then I'm not right in many areas. If you have green, go with green. If you have orange, go with orange. If you completely flush your system, you can go with either one.

As far as the drain plug in the radiator. Some come out easily, as they should. Some don't. If you apply a reasonable amount of pressure on the drain plug and it comes off. It's easier than pulling the lower radiator hose. If it doesn't come off, then you can go to the radiator hose. If this makes you nervous, then just go for the safe method of pulling the lower hose.

Snowbelt Spyder is correct. The only 'Code Reader' is BUDS. An expensive resource for an individual (by design is my guess). But extremely handy if you can come by it.

You can get a complete flush by pulling the lower radiator hose, plugging the hole in the radiator left by removing the hose, then putting water into the top of the radiator until it runs clear out of the lower hose. You also need to completely flush the reservoir.
 
the truth is I can't see any... and I'm not sure , I was just told they had this special Orange in it. but like Ron said might be best to just stay with the same stuff.

You might try to getting the coolant level up by starting the engine and running to expand the coolant to see what color is in the tank. Either drive it or idle until the fan motors kick in which should be enough to check it. Good Luck,, Bill:thumbup:
 
Or you may consider draining it out first, then have a look at what is in the container and decide what color you have.

If it looks like Magenta to you it may be good to get a 2nd opinion. :D
 
OK....... mine has Orange in it, and I bought a Gal of Orange Anti-freeze... so, it is just a little low. I am leaving it just like I got it... LOL
 
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When was it last changed? If you're unsure or it's been a while, you may consider a full coolant change. I would be looking for the cause if it was losing coolant.
 
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