Coolant, Green, red, blue ?

Coolant, Green, red, blue ?

Author
Discussion

bigdods

Original Poster:

7,172 posts

226 months

Monday 9th November 2009
quotequote all
Just had a recored rad and all new silicon hoses fitted. The cooling system has been filled with green coolant, same as it has always been for the last 3 years. Now as expected there is a little bit of air still finding its way out and I've had to add about a litre of water all told which will have diluted the coolant.

I have today tried to buy green anti freeze but the local motor factos dont have it and havent been asked for it for years so have no idea where it can be bought. Same problem at halfords. I can go back to the garage and get some more for free but its a bit of a drive.

I know you cant mix red and blue, but could I mix blue and green ?


Simon Says

18,928 posts

220 months

Monday 9th November 2009
quotequote all
bigdods said:
Just had a recored rad and all new silicon hoses fitted. The cooling system has been filled with green coolant, same as it has always been for the last 3 years. Now as expected there is a little bit of air still finding its way out and I've had to add about a litre of water all told which will have diluted the coolant.

I have today tried to buy green anti freeze but the local motor factos dont have it and havent been asked for it for years so have no idea where it can be bought. Same problem at halfords. I can go back to the garage and get some more for free but its a bit of a drive.

I know you cant mix red and blue, but could I mix blue and green ?
Yes wink me personally I like to stick to the same brand rather than mix though laugh

Pagey430

150 posts

214 months

Monday 9th November 2009
quotequote all
Fluorescent green antifreeze is available from Rimmers

Cheers

John

bigdods

Original Poster:

7,172 posts

226 months

Monday 9th November 2009
quotequote all
well after a lot of googling I can safely say that:

You can mix green and blue
You cant mix green and blue
You can mix anything with anything
If you mix any type of antifreeze with another type you will get sludge
There are different types of green, blue and red and they are not compatible
Any colour is compatible with anti freeze of the same colour from any manufacturer

So basically everyone has an opinion and they all conflict. Quick trip to the garage tomorrow to pick up a container of the green stuff I think !


quattrophenia

1,103 posts

197 months

Tuesday 29th June 2010
quotequote all
My rad is currently being re-cored and will be back in a few days. Obviously when removing the top and bottom hoses from the rad the old blue coolant in the system emptied. I popped down to the local motor factors and got 5 litres of red Comma X stream G30 Glysantin antifreeze. It states it is suitable for Mercs, Bentley, Lambos and porsche.

My concerns are:-

- Does the whole system drain when removing the rad (including heater matrix and
block) or would some of the old blue remain in the system?

- If I use the above red fluid and it mixes with any old fluid will it potentially
cause any damage?

I'm a bit confused as to which coolant to use especially after the shop guy said some fluids damage aluminium engines.

bsdnazz

762 posts

252 months

Tuesday 29th June 2010
quotequote all
quattrophenia said:
My rad is currently being re-cored and will be back in a few days. Obviously when removing the top and bottom hoses from the rad the old blue coolant in the system emptied. I popped down to the local motor factors and got 5 litres of red Comma X stream G30 Glysantin antifreeze. It states it is suitable for Mercs, Bentley, Lambos and porsche.

My concerns are:-

- Does the whole system drain when removing the rad (including heater matrix and
block) or would some of the old blue remain in the system?

- If I use the above red fluid and it mixes with any old fluid will it potentially
cause any damage?

I'm a bit confused as to which coolant to use especially after the shop guy said some fluids damage aluminium engines.
I'll be changing my rad soon as it has a slow leak. After the change I'm going to flush out the system with plain water a couple of times before refilling with anti-freeze.

Wikipedia says that the main types of anti-freeze use Methanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Googling around, BS6580 is interesting. I think the colour difference may be due to the corrosion inhibitors rather than the main anti-freeze ingredient.

quattrophenia

1,103 posts

197 months

Tuesday 29th June 2010
quotequote all
bsdnazz said:
quattrophenia said:
My rad is currently being re-cored and will be back in a few days. Obviously when removing the top and bottom hoses from the rad the old blue coolant in the system emptied. I popped down to the local motor factors and got 5 litres of red Comma X stream G30 Glysantin antifreeze. It states it is suitable for Mercs, Bentley, Lambos and porsche.

My concerns are:-

- Does the whole system drain when removing the rad (including heater matrix and
block) or would some of the old blue remain in the system?

- If I use the above red fluid and it mixes with any old fluid will it potentially
cause any damage?

I'm a bit confused as to which coolant to use especially after the shop guy said some fluids damage aluminium engines.
I'll be changing my rad soon as it has a slow leak. After the change I'm going to flush out the system with plain water a couple of times before refilling with anti-freeze.

Wikipedia says that the main types of anti-freeze use Methanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Googling around, BS6580 is interesting. I think the colour difference may be due to the corrosion inhibitors rather than the main anti-freeze ingredient.
What is the best way to flush the system ie. via the swirl pot or top/bottom radiator hoses?
Do you have to start the car up to allow the water pump to push the water around the system?
Also someone on here mentioned that flushing could damage the thermostat?

spend

12,581 posts

250 months

Wednesday 30th June 2010
quotequote all
Flush the rad & engine separately, just make the best use you can of the large hoses. Stat does really need to be removed. I think its a good idea to flush the heater matrix separately, being small & fiddly they probably get pretty fouled up?

Bassfiend

5,530 posts

249 months

Wednesday 30th June 2010
quotequote all
Couldn't you just fill the system with plain water and run that for half an hour or so just as a "flush" then drain it and refill with your chosen tipple?

I just use the blue stuff from the local CAF... biggrin

Phil

Simon says

18,928 posts

220 months

Wednesday 30th June 2010
quotequote all
No wink its better than nowt but i would always reverse flush the parts separately as said already by my mate above tongue out