Antifreeze

[Twistygit]

Hi just wondering if there is a prefered antifreeze or does it not matter? I surpose that on a car that is parked up most of the winter a rust inhibiter is more important

[blitzracing]

You still need the antifreeze component even if the cars in a garage not being used, plus antifreeze also contains lots of anti corrosion chemicals anyway. I would avoid mixing any extra anti corrosion mixtures in with antifreeze in case it alters the chemical balance. I had a lot more corrosion in my cooling system than I would have expected having mixed antifreeze with a "water wetter" type coolant improver- I cant prove this was the reason in any way, but Ill avoid it from now, and just stick to good quality red antifreeze and soft water, changed every 3 years.

[dogbucket]

Is OAT ok then?

I bought some to swap out the blue stuff, but hesitated as I read conflicting advice on whether older engines should use it.

[Twistygit]

I was looking last night and seen a coolant silkolene pro cool and wondered if this is okay it seemed more motorbike maybe

[FlipFlopGriff]

dogbucket said:

Is OAT ok then?

I bought some to swap out the blue stuff, but hesitated as I read conflicting advice on whether older engines should use it.

I'm sure I've read that you need to stay away from the modern anti freeze and go with the old school stuff. Can't recall why so best to do a search, but its down at the minute.
FFG

[Twistygit]

Does anyone know an approx amount for the cooling system

[tonys]

12 litres (from handbook)

[blitzracing]

some basic stuff:

http://www.bluecol.co.uk/index.cfm?page=75

[BillC99]

I've been using the OAT coolant for the last year and haven't had any problems.
You MUST give the system a good flush before changing from blue to red as they dont mix!!

[Twistygit]

so is the blue more than adaquate

[BillC99]

Twistygit said:

so is the blue more than adaquate

A good quality one yes. Like oil you get what you pay for.

[scotty_d]

The reason some people say not to use the red stuff (OAT ) Is because it does not like Copper core radiators, It can eat away at them . OAT is however a very good corrosion inhibitor For alloy's.

I ran it for years in both the Chim and now my cerb. The standard Rad is now leaking in the Cerb is this due to OAT? unsure, I think it is just age wear and tear in a 13 year old car. So time for a new alloy rad anyways

[Twistygit]

Thanks for advice i think i'll stick with blue stuff now to find a decent one