Thread: Coolant in 300tdi

I hit the anchors firmly coming up to an intersection and heard a beep from my water alarm.

I checked the level and found that it was indeed a bit low, a maximum of 1cm below what it should be.

Is it such a crime to top it up as necessary with distilled water until I get it flushed and maybe rodded at the next full service in a month or so? I'll be taking it outback in July and will get it properly gone over.

What happens when you dilute coolant? It's not as if it turns to jelly is it?

BTW it hasn't been topped up in the two years since the radiator got done and it's not as if it's super low, is it normal to need to top up from time to time or is any coolant loss a cause for action?

it is important, especially if the cylinder head or cooling system components are aluminium alloy to have an adequate amount of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant. Regarding anti freeze, remember that recommendations by many vehicle manufacturers have in mind prevailing winter temperatures much colder than it gets in mainland Australia. Anti freeze is expensive, does not conduct heat as readily as water and apparently some types tend to also deposit a film of low conductivity on surfaces it contacts which also reduces cooling efficiency.

I remember reading somewhere that a third of ethylene glycol will give protection down to minus 18 degrees Celsius. Also have heard comments from a truckie /earthmoving contractor from a small town in Victorian Highlands where it snows every year that you don't need much. Another good reason for minimising use is that antifreeze is expensive to buy.

I have not had antifreeze in coolant in my Defender 300Tdi for about 4 years. Seems best not to use it if you don't have to.