Anit Freeze/Coolant... the definitive answers?!

[jonathan]

OK.... It's been a while, and I've re-joined and I'm getting the Stag back on the road after a year or so of being in the garage. I'm doing a service etc. but there are so many different takes on the type of anti freeze/coolant and qty. etc. my head is in a spin.

I've flushed, got all the pipes off, flushed both ways etc. I've even got the block drain plus out (which were full of gunk).... the million dollar question is... how much anti freeze do I put in, how much water, and is the "blue" anti freeze I got from halfrauds for pre 1998 cars and suitable for aluminium engines OK?

Answers on a postcard!

Thanks

Jon

[wilf]

My own HO - 50/50, and yes the old style "blue" antifreeze is what is in mine.

[NickA]

25% i.e. the minimum you need for the UK climate. Anti freeze is less conductive than water so why use any more than's required as it has a negative effect on heat transfer?

[DJT]

As above, but Triumph recommended 30/70 so that's what I use.

[Ian F]

Me2

[wilf]

Great, looks like I can make a saving on antifreeze when I flush her out this winter!

[Markvh]

I'm doing a flush this weekend. I intend to use the green ethylene glycol antifreeze. Is that the right sort?

[Guest]

I use 30/70 with unipart blue, works well for my car.

[V Mad]

I use 25 to 30%. It is worth noting that antifreeze has very different properties to water, eg expansion rate, specific gravity and specific heat values, any of which could affect the operation of the cooling system and its components in some way. So departing much from the norm could, in some cases cause issues.

[73stagman]

Those of us who use Toyota red would be advised to use it how its recommended... 50/50. Different technology though I think.

sheeeeeezzzzz for a moment there I thought we were going to get a "definitive" answer. Very hard to believe that is possible for anything Stag centered. LOL

[Enigma66]

I too use 30/70 and also add water wetter--it improves the heat transfer ability plus adds corrosion protection to the cooling system.

[Bandit1200]

70/30 mix of deionized water and antifreeze.
If you live in Birmingham use tap water. It's from the Elan Valley and soft.
I live in Shrewsbury on the Welsh border and the tap water is as hard as rocks so I use deionized water from Halfords.
Steve

[wilf]

Rain water is free..................

[jonathan]

Thanks for all the opinions and advice gents. I'll got with 70/30. Seeing as I am in Birmingham with lovely Elan Valley water I'll go with that