[Filmmaker]

Hi Gang - Regarding 2004 4.0 Wrangler Automatic

I realize this topic has been discussed previously. My deepest apologies: Having difficulty/confusion with Advance and Auto Zone who claim Prestone 'All Vehicle' is acceptable? However further research shows Prestone AF2000 to be a preferred Mopar Equivalent?



I did a flush, installed new hoses, new thermostat, and new radiator. Couldn't find Mopar Coolant nor the Red-Orange color I used 5 years ago. So I installed the 'All Vehicles' type but did not drive more than 2 miles.The Prestone label (on the back) says: Compatible with HOAT, OAT, POAT, & IAT

I'm prepared to do yet another flush and use something else? Prestone AF2000?

To summarize, is Prestone AF2000 the acceptable Mopar Equivalent? Or should I just leave the 'All Vehicles' in there?

Sorry for the confusion 🙄
Thank You for your help

 

[Boojo35]

The Prestone label (on the back) says: Compatible with HOAT, OAT, POAT, & IAT

This is simply not chemically possible. It just isn't.

I believe that your 04 originally had the very original Green Prestone in it. I do not off hand know the part number for it. It can be kind of elusive to find. It is still out there.

 

[Filmmaker]

"This is simply not chemically possible. It just isn't"

So then the label is Fiction?

Many here do not like the 'All Vehicle' - That's fine by me - I'm prepared to drop the current coolant, flush again, and put something else in there .... But what?

 

[JonMopar]

Simply put….don’t mix the colors lol.

 

[Filmmaker]

I FLUSHED the system (no mixing). Apparently not many use 'All Vehicle' and as I stated that's fine by me ....

But finding something else, (especially Mopar), is difficult. The local auto stores mostly carry the Junk stuff ....

I'll try NAPA - Maybe they'll have Mopar or Zerex G-05

 

[Filmmaker]

Still Checking ....

 

[Boojo35]

Simply put….don’t mix the colors lol.

Yep.
I am not going to try to find your original coolant. Find your owners manual. Find your place to purchase that manual. Call your local CDJR dealer. Get the correct info. Make your own calls and time.

Sorry. You are in a grey area for me. I am not positive of what coolant you need. I do not feel that I should do your research for you. If you strike out after a good efffort though. That may be different

 

[Filmmaker]

"I am not going to try to find your original coolant"

No one is asking that .... I've got plenty of suggestions .... and I appreciate it - that's all anyone could ask for - THANK YOU Everyone

The problem is AVAILABILITY (sure that's my problem), that's obvious ....

I will FLUSH the system again .....

I'll find something .....

Thanks

 

[JonMopar]

Standard yellow non hoat 50/50 was used in my TJ…300k miles with no issues

 

[TheBoogieman]

It makes NO difference what type you use IF you flushed the system. I always use the All makes and models kind. Walmart Super-Tech brand is as good as any and $10.88. I've used it for years in all of my Jeeps.
p.s. I do a chemical flush of my cooling system every 3 years regardless of mileage.

 

[Pine_Cat]

I am not going to try to find your original coolant. Call your local CDJR dealer. Get the correct info.

Zerex G05

 

[Filmmaker]

"I am not going to try to find your original coolant. Call your local CDJR dealer. Get the correct info"

As stated: There's 'NO' need to do that please - I never asked for that

According to most opinions here, I will use Zerex G05 - Numerous opinions are appreciated however let's wrap this up ...

(Thank You For Everything)!

 

[Filmmaker]

Additional Note:

As per everyone's suggestion, I checked the owners manual:

50% Ethylene Glycol (if cut with water), then DISTILLED or DEIONIZED
(That's all it states)

Obviously (over the years), as we all grew to love our wranglers, many continue to search for ways to improve its performance. Thus we inevitably came up with a plethora of opinions regarding 'Coolant Brand,' and other methods of repair.

In any event, now with a new radiator, hoses, themostat etc., I'll do a proper HOT l flush (with cleaner) and get rid of that 'Prestone All Vehicle' *Anyone wanna pick up 2 gallons of free Prestone? (Just Kidding).

Thanks again my friends - you guys are great!

Sticking with Zerex G05

 

[jhanna]

I may be "off" here but our engines, the 4.0, has been around much much longer than the newer generations of coolant.

My belief is that our cast iron engines, and the other components, being old technology, would be happy with the old basic green stuff.

 

[Filmmaker]

Hi Therejhanna! (nice to see you)

There's plenty of old timers (not saying you're old), and others, who absolutely agree with you!

BTW. I'm 74 and love my wrangler ....

 

[jhanna]

I'm 69, don't know if that's old or not, but I am on Medicare and social security.

It seems like prior to the 90s, there were very few different variations of auto fluids, including transmission, antifreeze, even motor oils. Motor oil was either a straight 30 or 10/30. Antifreeze was green. And, trans fluid was standard ATF, or Fords Type F, gear oil was 80/90.

Then came Dex-Cool, Mercon, ATF+, 5/30 & 5/20, Synchromesh,. Shoot, I've even seen 0/16 motor oil on the shelf at the store.

We had a '89 XJ in the family for several years, with the 4.0, and used old time fluids in it, I don't think our TJs are much different, especially when it comes to oil, coolant, gear oil.

 

[Filmmaker]

Hi again jhanna

"I don't think our TJs are much different, especially when it comes to oil, coolant, gear oil"

I absolutely agree with you my friend - At times, all the information and opinions 'can' become intimidating. In general, as for 'choices', the increased number is astounding and complicated. It doesn't help anyone (for that matter), who are forced to browse thousands of choices...

With disability, the Wrangler, its 'my only vehicle'. Although I enjoy watching 'Matt's Off Road Recoveries' I don't have no interest driving up and down cliffs and rocks.

For my fellow 'Jeep Lovers', ENJOY off your off road adventures and please be careful .... 😉

My Two Wranglers 1990 & 2004 Willys

 

[Pine_Cat]

My belief is that our cast iron engines, and the other components, being old technology, would be happy with the old basic green stuff.

If you get into the weeds, you'll find a lot of the part numbers in the cooling system changed around 2001, because the company re-designed the cooling system for the intended coolant. It's standard procedure of the OEMs to design the cooling system for the intended coolant.

 

[HandOverFist]

I recall back when they introduced the newer formulations of antifreeze fluids. I also recall seeing many aluminum pieces eaten up from these products. Seems any air in the system hastened it's break down and would form a chrystal/grainy substance...never experienced that with the green variety. All my vehicles late model or not get the antifreeze changed over at some point and I've never experienced any adverse effect.

 

[Pine_Cat]

OATs require about 5,000 miles to develop a protective layer. Not good for enthusiast vehicles that might take considerable time to be driven 5,000. This is why, for OAT, they changed the recommendation, from flush and fill, to drain and re-fill.

Also, OATs need a full charge, so mixing in a little bit of non-conforming product eliminates the corrosion protection altogether. So basically a lot of people who didn't use as directed suffered corrosion.

Daimler-Chrysler HOAT was a good compromise. The hybrid portion allowed it to begin protecting right away, instead of needing mileage to protect.

Those who have been following know that I have way too many vehicles. I only suffer corrosion in the '98, because the company still recommends old-fashioned green coolant in the '98. I religiously have it flushed every 2 years, and a lot of rust comes out every time.