Which Antifreeze?

[Preston1990]

I've just replaced the leaking radiator in my Chimaera and now need to refill the cooling system.

I'm after some advice about what sort of antifreeze I should I use. Is all antifreeze basically the same or should I avoid certain makes because they either aren't as good or are unsuitable for the TVR's aluminium V8.

I'm thinking of buying some Halfwits own make stuff - will this do the job OK? Are there cheaper/better alternatives?

Also what percentage of antifreeze to water should I use? The little filofaxlike TVR owner manual suggests 50% glycol antifreeze and water mix - SH's bible is a little vague about reaching a definitive conclusion on what is right but states that TVR recommend a 33% mix.

Thoughts please folks. Thanks in advance!

[VARLEYHYD]

IMO

Blue and 50% mix


G

[bigdods]

My favourite indie fills mine with good old fashioned green, not sure what %mix but it must be high, its VERY green.

[krisles]

The most important thing is that you use one that can protect aluminium. It should be written on the bottle that it is suitable for ALU radiators (if you have aluminium radiator that is) and that it is not aggressive to the rubber seals. Most of them should be fine regardless to the color. Mix it 50% with water but don't use normal tap water - use distilled water that was purified through distillation process).

Kris

[chrispitman]

I used a 5ltr Halfwits (Pink/orange stuff) when I did mine, used the whole bottle gives about 40% mix. This suff has longer life than green, but dont mix the two if changing just flush the system with water first.

[jammy_basturd]

The colour doesn't tell you how good the product will be, its just a die, and you can get antifreeze in pretty much any colour you like now. There used to be a time when anti-freeze used to be green because of the chemicals they used, but I believe they had to stop using those chemicals because they were harmful during the manufacturing process. I think.

If you're really worried about over heating, look into using 'Water Wetter' too, should keep the coolant about 5* cooler which could make all the difference. Although I'm not sure about how suitable it is with Alu rads, just never checked...

[BatleyBoy]

Millers Alpine Antifreeze BT.

Mix 50/50 with water.

[tempus]

Most if not all of the uk sourced anti-freeze is now colour coded,red has the longest life in the system followed by green,blue is usually mono-ethylene glycol and lasts about two years,all can be used but Comma extreme red longlife will be effective for a min. five years.Tempus

[Preston1990]

Thanks for all your help and advice people. I completed the job this afternoon - everything seems OK.

I'm off for an MOT tomorrow morning. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Edited by Preston1990 on Tuesday 24th June 00:44