Going to do a full flush of the coolant in the next week or so.

 

What is the best antifreeze to use and in what ratio?

Bump now we've upgraded:) 

 

I use Bluecol OE48 spec at around 50/50 mix.

21 minutes ago, jimmer said:

I use Bluecol OE48 spec at around 50/50 mix.

Cheers Jimmer. Do you use distilled water? 

Also, am I right in thinking its just over 10 litres for the full system? 

In general, I’d say any reputable antifreeze/coolant that’s ethylene glycol based and as Jim says, a 50/50 mix.

16 minutes ago, coopd said:

Cheers Jimmer. Do you use distilled water? 

Also, am I right in thinking its just over 10 litres for the full system? 

The book says 10 litres, Jim might be able to shed light on it but whenever I do mine it doesn’t usually take quite that much as it’s hard to get it all out! I used to use distilled water as it seemed like the right thing to do but now I just use tap water and save the distilled water for my detailing concoctions! The antifreeze has all the appropriate chemicals in to counter any nasties in the tap water.

4 minutes ago, Joely P said:

The book says 10 litres, Jim might be able to shed light on it but whenever I do mine it doesn’t usually take quite that much as it’s hard to get it all out! I used to use distilled water as it seemed like the right thing to do but now I just use tap water and save the distilled water for my detailing concoctions! The antifreeze has all the appropriate chemicals in to counter any nasties in the tap water.

Ok, cheers Joel. Hopefully I'll get chance this weekend! 

14 minutes ago, Joely P said:

The book says 10 litres, Jim might be able to shed light on it but whenever I do mine it doesn’t usually take quite that much as it’s hard to get it all out! I used to use distilled water as it seemed like the right thing to do but now I just use tap water and save the distilled water for my detailing concoctions! The antifreeze has all the appropriate chemicals in to counter any nasties in the tap water.

Yup - I would concur...…!

 

1 hour ago, Joely P said:

The antifreeze has all the appropriate chemicals in to counter any nasties in the tap water.

I'm aware of the corrosion inhibitors that are added to Ethylene glycol anitifreeze, but what chemicals are added to deal with hard water?

Tap water contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium (more so in hard water areas) and can form deposits in a cooling system, especially in the engine’s hottest parts. Premix coolants are produced with distilled water. If you are going to make up your own, why not do the same?

Edited November 4, 20196 yr by AndrewG

2 minutes ago, AndrewG said:

 

I'm aware of the corrosion inhibitors that are added to Ethylene glycol anitifreeze, but what chemicals are added to deal with hard water?

Tap water contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium (more so in hard water areas) and can form deposits in a cooling system, especially in the engine’s hottest parts. Premix coolants are produced with distilled water. If you are going to make up your own, why not do the same?

Yes, tbh I was just going to do it. Its only £3 for 5 litres in Halfords anyway.... Might as well

1 minute ago, coopd said:

Yes, tbh I was just going to do it. Its only £3 for 5 litres in Halfords anyway.... Might as well

The Ethylene glycol type (not the OAT variety).

Just now, AndrewG said:

The Ethylene glycol type (not the OAT variety).

Already ordered the one Jimmer mentioned 'Bluecol OE48' 

On 11/4/2019 at 9:36 AM, coopd said:

Going to do a full flush of the coolant in the next week or so.

 

What is the best antifreeze to use and in what ratio?

I used Genuine Nissan L248 Premix Engine Coolant/Antifreeze KE902-99945

20 minutes ago, Bones28 said:

I used Genuine Nissan L248 Premix Engine Coolant/Antifreeze KE902-99945

Bar the last time (Bluecol OE48) I have always used L248.

Is there anything wrong with using the pink antifreeze or is it only blue we use  

9 hours ago, makaveli96 said:

Is there anything wrong with using the pink antifreeze or is it only blue we use  

Irrespective of the colour make sure the container states the antifreeze is Ethylene glycol (and not the Organic Acid Technology - OAT variety).

The two types do not mix together and OAT should not be used in older engines which can be damaged by OAT (eg seals and gaskets).

I remember reading something some time ago about the newer type not mixing with yellow metals or something.  However my black car at some point had had the pink one put in.  The car was alsays perfect from a temperature perspective too.  When I emptied it, it still looked perfect too.  I still use it as I didn't want to mix the 2 and it still runs well.  

 

The above being said though, I'd stick with what everyone is recommnding and use the proper stuff.  I do that on the blue one.