Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Wilberforce]

Hopefully an easy question.

Is there a specific type of anti freeze to use on a 1955 Magnette ZA? I know there is anti freeze at the moment but I have a recollection that there is more than one type.

[clan chieftain]

I would say it would be Bluecol or similar make. I always have had the blue in the marinas.
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The Clan Chieftain

[Rick]

Apparently the modern red stuff isn't good for older cars, so avoid that.

RJ
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[Wilberforce]

Cheers Guys. I'll check what is there and deal with it. Sadly my tame parts shop has just closed down so will have to go to Halfords or somewhere equally horrible.

[clan chieftain]

Halfords might not be able to go back that far. What about your handbook.Most motor factors and supermarkets stock the blue antifreeze.
_________________
The Clan Chieftain

[V8 Nutter]

Use the blue stuff in a 50/50 mix, it will last for 2 years. As Rick says the modern red stuff is not recommended for old cars. I don't know why

[buzzy bee]

Hi

Get some from Morris Lubricants, they sell it in small containers up and beyond 45 gallon drums.

If you are worried about any lubricant, or Antifreeze that Morris Lubricants sell they are excellent at advising about their products, really Knowledgeable.

Cheers

Dave

[peter scott]

The key thing is not to mix the blue with orange/red. The overall effectiveness is reduced by mixing them.

Peter
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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[traction39]

Found this explanation on the web:

Quote
For many years, since the demise of Methanol based antifreeze that was traditionally only added just before winter, blue/green or yellow Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) has been the mainstay of the coolant market. However Ford vehicles since 08/98 have been filled with coolant combining Monoethylene glycol with Organic Additive Technology (OAT) corrosion inhibitors.

There are important differences between standard MEG and MEG with OAT. It does not contain silicates, nitrates, nitrites, borates, phosphates or amines so that:
· Without silicates, silicate gel or "green goo" does not form.
· By eliminating phosphates, hard water scale is reduced.
· Without silicates, phosphates, nitrates, nitrites and borates, abrasive dissolved acids are greatly reduced thereby diminishing water pump seal failures.
· Without amines and nitrites, there is no potential formation of nitrosamines.
All of this results in a considerably longer life span, whilst providing improved protection of all cooling system metals, including aluminium. Benefits over conventional silicate based coolants are:
· Improved water pump life due to reduced water pump seal wear.
· Fewer abrasive dissolved solids.
· Reduced hard water scale.
· Virtually no deterioration of heat transfer capacity during service life.
· Excellent protection against high temperature and pitting corrosion.
· No silicate gel formation during storage or use.
· Effective long-term corrosion protection for aluminium, brass, cast iron, steel, solder and copper alloys.
· Long effective service life of up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.

The two types of coolant should not be mixed. Vehicles filled with MEG will have coolant coloured blue, green or yellow. MEG with OAT additives will have coolant coloured Orange (Ford) or red. End quote

[colwyn500]

Good grief Tracton39. What on earth will people thnk of me? I had some antifreeze concentrate left over from my underfloor heating, which needs it in quite a high ratio to water just in case the floor should ever experience freezing temperatures. It's green...that's all I know. Seems to work. I did do a good flush using oxalic acid before filling; but I have no signs of any rust after nearly twelve months.

[traction39]

Must admit I got rather bored reading it....!