Thread: Coolant Replacement Procedure?

Drain existing coolant - if it is really grotty, flush the system with clean water a couple of times - that is fill it up with water, run the engine, then drain.

I use Techalloy Gold coolant - been using it for years in the RRC and the insides of the coolant passages, etc are as new. It is a concentrate and I mix it with demineralised water - easy and cheap to get hold of - you will then get 2 years out of your coolant. I always tend to over service my vehicles anyway and generally change coolant at 12 to 18 months anyway.

There is a thread somewhere by Blknight that shows the best way of getting the concentration right.

Just make sure that the system bleeds properly - particularly with the LPG, although I would imagine if you have no coolant in the converter it would freeze solid and the engine would stop anyway if you get this wrong.

I've not had any issues doing mine.

Oh, make sure the heater is turned on so the heater core gets its share of the new coolant.

Cheers - Gav

I've given up on the Tectaloy Gold concentrate as everything I put it in eventually leaked all over the place. I've started using Eco-Cool concentrate on the recommendation of my local radiator specialist who's been using it for years. Unfortunately it's not widely available.

As for flushing, after the initial drain, I put a garden hose into a heater hose fitting and idle the engine occasionally until the overflow tank runs out perfectly clear.

And finally, to drain the bulk of the coolant just remove the plug in the top of the radiator and siphon out the coolant with a long piece of clear hose shoved all the way to the bottom of the radiator. If you prefill the length of hose at the tap and place your finger over the draining end until it's in place you'll avoid getting a mouthful of old coolant. Oh and don't let it run down the gutter, councils don't like coolant in the stormwater system. You may get a visit from an environmental officer and a fine.

Interesting you've had leaks using the techally gold - I run it in 3 vehicles, going back years and never had an issue. Is this just a recent thing? - Have they changed something in it do you think?

Cheers.

Possibly altered the formula to make it... less costly. -That's just the cynic in me

Easiest place to buy demineralised water is the local supermarket. Usually in the 'laundry' section, in 5 litre containers.
Unless you're buying bulk from an automotive parts supplier, it will work out the most economical source.

I also use it in the windscreen washers.

Thanks for the posts and information.

Where do you add the coolant to refill the system?

Paul

I had a false start trying to replace the coolant.

I couldn't shift the bottom hose off the radiator. I stopped short of trying to pry it off as I did not have a spare hose.

I'll order up a hose set next week and replace them all.

I guess I'll have to cut the bottom hose off though?

Paul

Originally Posted by lidvii

I had a false start trying to replace the coolant.

I couldn't shift the bottom hose off the radiator. I stopped short of trying to pry it off as I did not have a spare hose.

I'll order up a hose set next week and replace them all.

I guess I'll have to cut the bottom hose off though?

Paul

Why are you trying to remove the hose?

Siphon it via the filling plug, as I wrote below.

Originally Posted by bee utey

Why are you trying to remove the hose?

Siphon it via the filling plug, as I wrote below.

X2,

- So much easier, and you don't get sickly sweet-smelling green stuff running down your arm and up your sleeves, - never mind the watch-band filling up with the stuff.

- it always finds your watch....

Put the bit of hose down the hole... use the garden hose to squirt fresh water down it- then suck UP to start the siphon. - As Bee said, you'll get a mouthful of fresh water...
Proceed as above !

Bottom hoses outlast top hoses... but the little plastic bung is knackered. Buy a brass one.