More Radiator Questions...

[gconran]

OKay so I have been trawling these forums trying to find something more about this but seem to have failed....

I had a post a few weeks ago regarding the fact my cooling system currently has in it what seems to be water.... :/

It is running slightly low so I am looking at draining, flushing and refilling it with something I know, i.e. coolant

There is a lot of talk about not mixing coolants, red, green, orange, OAT etc etc

My question is... If I am starting with 'water' (maybe?!) then where should I go with my coolant. What should I bet putting into it??

Its a little distressing as the whole radiator, hoses etc were replaced before I bought the car by a reputable garage and it seems they would have been the ones to refill the radiator at the time, and they have used water!?

[Blknight.aus]

which engine?

[gconran]

Apologies!

Its a 2000 Td5.

[harro]

Have a read of this,
its American but a great overview on the different types of coolant available and how they differ or how little they differ depending on how you look at it.

Cheers,
Paul.

[scott oz]

If it were me I'd flush the whole system and refill with demineralised water and OAT coolant. I used Nulon OAT 5 year coolant (Red).

Note it is possible that the previous owner used a water wetter which is colourless? which leaves you open to freezing but in all other respects is a better product than an OAT coolant.

[Tombie]

Recommended will be Nulon OAT (Red) or CAT ELC..

CAT ELC is available in large drums and is much cheaper..

A full flush of all current coolant is important before putting in any new coolant.

[gconran]

Thanks for your help guys.

I have just been down to my mechanic as well and he has handed me 10L of coolant and sent me on my way, he first showed me on another Td5 up on the hoist where everything was though which was most helpful!

Cheers