Antifreeze

[Simon]

Now is it getting colder i am getting more aware that i need to think about putting anti freeze into my water soon.

How much do i need to put in, or do i really need to not worry about this yet as it really isn't that cold?

[duncanamps]

Hi Simon, just replaced mine last weekend from memory it's 3.5 litres of coolant so 1.7 litres approx if you want a 50% mix.

My own preference is to have 50% in all year round as it slows down corrosion and raises the boiling point of the coolant - handy when running the Bambi up long hills in summer

[TITCH]

You should ALWAYS run with antifreeze in, otherwise corrosion to the aluminium head takes it's toll, badly!!

Titch

[Simon]

Cheers for the advice, i will put some in over the weekend. For all i know the van already has it in, but then again it might not.

Am i best off draining all the coolant out first and starting from scratch?

[>>CHOP<<]

yeah give it a good flush through...and whack it in....although not to everybodys way of testing...i dip a finger in and taste it...if its got a sweet taste then its got antifreeze in it...

[Dell Boy]

Hello Simon,
Move the heater slider to cold.
Drain the old coolant out via the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Put the plug back in.
Add 30 to 50% anti-freeze to the water & then put it in the radiator & header tank.
Change the anti-freeze mix annually.
Always maintain at least 30% anti-freeze all year round.
Open the heater control.
Run the engine with the radiator cap removed until the thermostat has opened & there are no more air bubbles coming out of the radiator.
Fill the radiator to the top with coolant.
Securely refit the rad cap.
Check heater is working.
Read your Haynes manual?

Cheers, Derek.

[Simon]

I've done the stereo today so i will sort this out next weekend and will also stop being lazy and read the Haynes. 

[mac]

i like chops method the best i wonder if he can tell the make of antifreeze by taste

[>>CHOP<<]

haha...times are hard

[bilfox]

With ice and a slice of lemon it tastes better than brake fluid.

[Pirate]

Reminds me, i must put anti freeze in the van, bambi has been done, getting b***dy cold in the mornings now.....

[Simon]

Just a quick question. How long will it take to do this, so i can plan it in to make sure the sun doesn't go down half way through?

[>>CHOP<<]

20mins to 1/2 hour...tops

[Simon]

I've had a go but i am having a nightmare getting access to the valve at the bottom of the radiator to drain it.

I took the top cap off the radiator and the liquid in there is a rusty brown colour, which i suspect isn't good!!

Any tips on how to get better access to it without a pit or anything?

[duncanamps]

Simon, you should be able to get to the drain valve without a pit or jacks.  If you lie on your side at the front of the van at the passenger side, you can put your arm underneath the van and behind the radiator to undo the valve.

I prefer to just unclip the bottom hose instead