Antifreeze

[1 Finger Bandit]

Hello chaps,

As its getting cold I think I ought to treat the 400 to some antifreeze as so far its only had water in since the rebuild. Does anyone know what the water capacity is? or how much AF put in after dropping some water out.

Cheers

Shaun

[Jonny weggie]

Hi Shaun, think it's about 11/12 ltr, i would drain the system first and then put 5ltr of A/F in making around 60/40 mix.
I dont fill up with just water now after doing my cylinder heads gaskets, it was down to lack of anti freeze from the owner before me.

john.

[cuneus]

Never run just water

Think about 8 litres capacity and you want 50/50

[400SE Dave]

1 Finger Bandit said:

Hello chaps,

As its getting cold I think I ought to treat the 400 to some antifreeze as so far its only had water in since the rebuild. Does anyone know what the water capacity is? or how much AF put in after dropping some water out.

Cheers

Shaun

According to the Bible, it is 11 litres (19pts). Dilution 45% although I think that is a little strong so I went for 35%.

[Number 7]

As said, antifreeze is not just to prevent the coolant freezing but particularly in an aluminium block / heads, gives vital anti corrosion properties. Should really be completely changed every couple of years or so. I also use soft water (rainwater) but some might think that ott!

[1 Finger Bandit]

Cheers guys,

I only ran water as I wanted to make sure I had no leaks prior to "wasting" antifreeze everywhere

Shaun

[HOTTY]

If you were to drain the water from the front hose (bottom of rad)then refill would it only take about 5 ltrs ?

as i have refill with anti freeze (about 5ltrs)but when i came to add the water.. no more room at the inn.

[400SE Dave]

I know this might be obvious but did you start it and let it get warm to get the stat open?? I did mine today by taking off the bottom hose and then refilling, I did get around 7 litres at that point (after rocking the car to get any air locks freed) and then at least another 2 after it had warmed and cooled. I think you need to have the heater on hot as well to make sure no air gets locked there.

Sorry if this is too obvious but just in case!

[HOTTY]

400SE Dave said:

I know this might be obvious but did you start it and let it get warm to get the stat open?? I did mine today by taking off the bottom hose and then refilling, I did get around 7 litres at that point (after rocking the car to get any air locks freed) and then at least another 2 after it had warmed and cooled. I think you need to have the heater on hot as well to make sure no air gets locked there.

Sorry if this is too obvious but just in case!

not obvious to me !!!!!!!!!!!! on it tomorrow.

thanks dave

[Number 7]

Fill as much as you can from the front cap (not the header tank), and squeeze the top and bottom hoses to encourage the rad to fill and release air. Replace that cap, and with the level in the header tank about halfway, start the engine and warm up. Keep the coolant moving by using the throttle lever until the level in the tank reaches the top and quickly replace cap. Continue warming car until the thermostat is fully open, and eventually the fan(s) operate. Cool completely and top header tank to correct level. Always works for me.