Anti freeze/coolant compatibility question

[dsaunders30]

Is anti freeze/coolant that does NOT use OAT technology (and based on silicate) suitable for a "modern" car? And by modern I mean 2003.

I have to change my coolant resevoir/expansion tank due to it having a small crack and slowly leaking.

Many thanks

[Oldandslow]

I'd say yes/maybe. OAT is an improvement on the old glycol formulations and can be used pretty much interchangeably. The only caveats I'd add to that is, what does the manufacturer recommend and what's already in the car? As I'm sure you know old glycol (blue typically) and new OAT(red typically) should not be mixed. If you want to change from one to the other it takes a couple of cycles of drain, flush, fill with pure water, run, drain again to purge the previous coolant.

[finishing touch]

Oldandslow said:

I'd say yes/maybe. OAT is an improvement on the old glycol formulations and can be used pretty much interchangeably. The only caveats I'd add to that is, what does the manufacturer recommend and what's already in the car? As I'm sure you know old glycol (blue typically) and new OAT(red typically) should not be mixed. If you want to change from one to the other it takes a couple of cycles of drain, flush, fill with pure water, run, drain again to purge the previous coolant.

I agree with the above.

I've just replaced the water pump on my '53 plate 3.2 Merc, and have a new rad to fit in my '05 MX5.

I have bought a 5L can of Comma G48 ( green blue ) to do the two. The only downside is its life, 3 years or so, but then I'm bound to replace a hose,
or sell the cars before then anyway.

In saying that, on an older car a flush and refill never hurts.

Paul G

[dsaunders30]

Hi

Not 100% sure what was in before. I've been topping up with water and car plan which is clear.

[finishing touch]

dsaunders30 said:

Hi

Not 100% sure what was in before. I've been topping up with water and car plan which is clear.

An ideal opportunity to drain, flush & re-flush, and fill with new. At least you'll know the dilution is correct.
I would note the colour of what comes out and buy accordingly.

As I said previously, " on an older car a flush and refill never hurts. "


Paul G

[dsaunders30]

Cheers

From looking into things a bit more it would appear it is OAT and I need more OAT to refill after the expansion tank change.

Does it matter which OAT it is or are they pretty much all based on the same ?

[Kccv23highliftcam]

what car is it?

[dsaunders30]

Mondeo mk3