Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

TTotal · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject: Anti Freeze advice

Good day all, before it gets too late in the year ( and if we can still rely on the "seasons" ) what AF should I use in my old motor ? Its all iron I believe.

As a lad in the late sixties I recall the "new " stuff that was for Alloy blocks, was not good for iron...

Anyone help with this one?

Best wishes

John Very Happy

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euronerd · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Yorkshire

Even an alloy block will contain some iron bits, so I wouldn't worry too much. I just use the cheapest, currently Screwfix. There will in any case, be some sort of guidance on the container.

Geoff.

Greeney in France · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:40 am Post subject:

I am glad someone actually realises what antifreeze is, I have tried to tell so many people who only put water in "as its doesnt matter in the summer"

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7118 Location: Edinburgh

Hi John,

Whilst protection from freezing is clearly important the other important aspect of antifreeze is its corrosion inhibiting properties. For that second reason it is important to use antifreeze throughout the whole year.

Peter

edit: Sorry for the duplication of Greeney's post, he just beat me to it but you can't emphasise enough the corrosion point.
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TTotal · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:09 am Post subject:

As always, the best advice - thanks guys very much, that helps a lot.

Billy is probably running on 100% water at the moment as during the year he has lost a few pints here and there (though non in the oil I hasten to add...) The level drops quickly then seems to settle at about 1/8th inch above the top honeycomb. I keep it about an inch higher... is this too high so it is thrown out of the overflow automatically?

The temperature guage has never ever risen above the mid point on the guage even whist struggling up Abbotsbury Hill on a hot day, so it's not boiling away.

Best wishes and thanks again,

John Smile

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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22446 Location: UK

Something else, coolant with a/f is more searching that water on its own, so if you have a leak anywhere, it'll leak more once a/f is in the mix Smile

Rick
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TTotal · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:17 am Post subject:

TTotal · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:18 am Post subject:

TTotal · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

TTotal · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 10:05 am Post subject:

euronerd · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Yorkshire

I based my somewhat rash statement, at the top, on the quality of the antifreeze that was available when your car was new, and also what had been put in subsequently - i.e. as it became older, but not yet collectable. I agree about inhibitors and the general improved chemistry of modern products but, depending on the age of your vehicle, much of the science behind the formulation surely wasn't available. And, as happens with increasing frequency these days (old-timer speak), you can pay a premium and still come away with an inferior product. Screwfix's finest contains inhibitors anyway (no, I'm not on commission) Very Happy

Geoff.

wrinx · Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 142 Location: Derbyshire

I'm still amazed some people run modern (or any!) car without AF Confused

I have run for short periods, like TTotal, before eradicating leaks Embarassed

I use Halfords longlife stuff (5yrs I think) but it's become very expensive recently and I've found it's leaving a crusty pink residue everywhere...so will be looking for cheaper/better alternatives!

wrinx
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buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

If Billy is settling at a level and is not getting too hot, then leave him be, in my oppinion. As he is warming up he is obviously just expeliing the excess water you keep giving him. See how he goes, if he starts getting hot, then you can do something about it. IO just make sure you can wet your fingers and the element stuff is not uncovered. I also use antifreeze, much stronger than most, all year, they say do it one strength for one temp, stronger if it is really cold, well I do it as it is expected to be very cold, and then add a little more for good measure. My feeling is it may help keep ernie a little cooler in the summer!

Remember to add more antifreeze, if you are filling it with water every now and then!

I used to have to antifreeze 10 or 20 crop sprayers, each needed about 25 litres of antifreeze depending on the size, cars are a doddle, compared to the hoses you have on crop sprayers!

Cheers

Dave

Nic Jarman · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject: antifreeze

Modern antifreeze contains mono ethylene glycol (meg) which is fine for all types of dissimilar materials. So use 50% antifreeze and 50% deionised water, tap water contains calcium and other compounds. Rain water may be a little acidic and should be filtered, who can be bothered with that. Do not worry about the colour as this is just a dye and does not effect the performance. The older antifreeze used alcohol and will rot your block, rad, hoses and does not taste very nice. I have found Silverhook products to be very reliable and cost effective. Cheap and good, what more could a yorkshireman want. I use tyre wax on my hoses but that is another story.

Nic