Hi.

 

Thought I'd change the rad coolant as the water was rusty and had bits in. I also put some summer antifreeze as well. I'm not entirely sure I've done it correctly so I thought I'd post on here just to be sure. I undone one of the lower pipes going to the rad underneath the car and let the water drain out. Also I left the rad cap off . I then ran a hose through the pipe and rad to remove any crap then I tightened the lower pipe and 'refilled with 50% antifreeze and water. I

Just wondering if I've done it correctly? Should I check the water for a couple of days?

What are you unsure of?

When filling it did you remove the bleed on the other side of the radiator to help the system vent air? Best done with car slightly inclined.

So you flushed your system with fresh water, when you refilled did you account for the fact that the engine would essentially just contain water and no coolant? What I mean is, if you thoroughly flushed, then you really would need to add a full 4.5 litres of coolant to the rad to dilute the water left in the engine to approx. 50/50, then fill the expansion tank with a premixed 50/50 if I'm making any sense? The total capacity of the system including the expansion tank is approx. 10 litres.

You should also only use the regular coolant normally blue or green and not the long life OAT based stuff normally orange or red.

Once you refilled the system, replace the bleed and rad cap, run the car until up to temp with heater on full heat, race the engine 2-3 times and then switch off, allow to cool, then top up. You will need to add some more, top up with 50/50 premix. Check the level over the next few days, you will probably need another slight top up this is normal.

Another point to mention is the water level will settle below the filler neck, it will not hold anymore, it will just dump it. As long as you can see water in the radiator then its ok.

Edited July 28, 201411 yr by lonezedder