Grand vitara coolant type ?

[Andrews]

Hi everyone , I,m changing out the radiator and waterpump and thermostat on my 2002 2.0 Gv as although its not leaking or loosing , the rad is well past its best .
Got all the bits and motor factor supplied me 5 litre of red OAT coolant where previously it had green in .
Will the red be ok ? I did ask the factor and he says everybody uses it now when doing total coolant out jobs . Wondered if older engines preferred old style blue ?
Thanks for any advice .
Also can you advise me , do I slacken the four bolts on the pulley before removing drive belt to swap the pulley over on the new pump ? , I ask as haven't got pump yet and ones ive seen on tinternet show it without pulley ?
thanx
Ian

[Boyes]

Hi,

Colour usually identifies the type of coolant i.e. blue coolant has a life of 2 years, red/pink coolant has a life of 5 years, after this time they should be renewed, usually says on the bottle.

Make sure you flush the old coolant out thoroughly as some coolants are not compatible with each other.

Hopefully that helps

Blue's usually cheaper, and red/pink more expensive as it lasts longer.

[Andrews]

Thank Boyes , I didn't know about lifetimes of the coolant and also for advice about flushing . When pump and thermostat out of way will stick a hose in block to pump sediment and old coolant out .
Cheers
Ian