Antifreeze

[DJT]

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bedders wrote:

I've run my XK engined Mk2 Jaguar on OAT for the past 10 years or so without problems. My Stag had OAT in the system when purchased and I continue to use it.
I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.

The 'fuss' is about the fact that the two types don't always mix and can create a jelly-like substance that inhibits the circulation. Bit like Cholesterol....

If the system is fully cleared of whichever anti-freeze it has, then re-filled with the new, then there shouldn't be a problem. If yours has been running on OAT successfully and you are happy to continue then that should be fine.

The argument for flushing the system annually (or 2-yearly depending on who you listen to)is to ensure that the corrosion inhibitor properties of standard anti-freeze are maintained as these die off after a while. If OAT maintains these properties throughout its long life, then I can't see the need for regular changes. But I am prepared to accept a challenge to this from other, moreknowledgeable folk.

Personally I don't think I have gone more than 12 months without having to drain and refill the cooling system for one reason or another in 21 years. But that is probably 'cos I am always fiddling.............

Dave

[Guest]

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Thought I would put this up again for info. Martin.

[Bob Heritage]

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I use rainwater from the water butt (not old stagnant stuff) Cheap, pure &soft

[comeinhandy]

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I've used OAT red antifreeze for years in my stag with no problems. It's anti corrosion ability lasts much longer so the time between replacements is less. IMHO the extra protection against Ali corrosion out ways any other risks.
The original fuss about the early OAT experiences were mostly concerns around softening of plastic inlet manifolds in GM vehicles. The stag doesn't have any plastic parts in the cooling system, mostly rubber, various metals and gaskets, the same as cars that use OAT.

The modern cars I have seen insist on OAT antifreeze due to it's better protection. The stuff I use (£20 halfords) says it will mix with all other antifreezes. As they say DYOR.

[Klaus Schlueter]

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http://www.filtercouncil.org/techdata/tsbs/05-2.pdf

This document shows that recommending antifreeze just by the color is very dangerous!!

And for me it made the subject much clearer.

Klaus


Hi all

we discussed this subjekt of colours already in July 2010.

Klaus

[turbineman]

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that pdf file made me more confused as blue can be oat as is comma premied.
i put in holts blue with bs 6580 at 50/50 haynes manual says bs 5181 or 5182 i think from memory although i may stand corrected.
anyway it was two different bs marks 1992 6580 and blue was good enough and i took a lot of looking to find blue as most were pink oats,
my question is holts oat or old fashioned blue.

[marshman]

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Personally I couldn't care less what colour it is - I want to know whats in it and what it is or isn't suitable for - read the label! I have a 20ltr drum of Unipart antifreeze - its what most people would describe as pink, however, the label clearly states ethylene glycol - BS........... etc.

I have used various makes of antifreeze over the years in a very wide range of vehicles, as far as I am aware they were ethylene glycol based but came in a variety of shades of blue, green, orange, red and of course pink. I have never had any problems. The one thing I don't do is mix different types/makes and/or brands - I always flush the whole system and fill up with fresh mixture and then save some of the same mixture for later top ups if required.

Roger

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[NickA]

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NickA wrote in another anti-freeze thread:

<snip> Unipart 3 year blue anti-freeze;

Once you've got the cooling system flushed and clean I just can't see the point in draining the anti-freeze every year. The old change it every year mantra was from when the inhibitors in the anti-freeze only lasted a year which made it vital to change it annually.

I used to use the Unipart green stuff but as you can't get that anymore (I think?)so now it's the longer life blue.

[Guest]

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Just to be a boring old fart, you used to be able to get a cheap anti-freeze based on Methyl Alchohol, while bleeding the system on a Renault 16, it dripped onto the exhaust manifold and caught fire, laugh ? The owner was a Gas Board engineer and had an extinguisher to hand, otherwise - - - ? Martin.

[turbineman]

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well the bs mark6580 and ethylene glycol blue colour were best i could get locally holts brand ,after askin question blue or pink martin giving a very clear answer.
personally i work on equipment which is alu electronic thyristors quite delicate and
need lots of cooling to operate the only coolant allowed is yes pink actually a toyota approved mix as blue was orginally used but was found to perish seals.
i suppose the debate will continue.
i will leave blue well alone as the car runs good so far and lot of hassle to find ,and it might actually be an oat coolant after all that hassle.

[mickl]

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NickA wrote:

NickA wrote in another anti-freeze thread:

<snip> Unipart 3 year blue anti-freeze;

Once you've got the cooling system flushed and clean I just can't see the point in draining the anti-freeze every year. The old change it every year mantra was from when the inhibitors in the anti-freeze only lasted a year which made it vital to change it annually.

I used to use the Unipart green stuff but as you can't get that anymore (I think?)so now it's the longer life blue.

Nick

I have just bought 5 litres of unipart coolblue, ethelyn glycol 2 year, it says on the container suitable for older and high mileage vehicles, as you say the luminous green stuff is no longer available from unipart.

Mick L

[turbineman]

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just to add i got a flushing kit and it cost e5 by prestone blackflushes rad in situ and all waterways seen a demo on you tube.
really good come with all attachments no hoses need to be moved filll by displacement pre mix coolant is hardest part well recommended.