The new orange, red, and blue coolants are not compatible with common green and yellow coolants. Actually, they're not compatible with each other. We should only top-up with same color/type coolant.
Alternatively, if you really want to use the new coolant, the old coolant should be flushed and thoroughly replaced with the new coolant.
One last bit of info, newer red or orange coolants are usually for aluminum type radiators only. They'll damage copper and brass radiators.
Good Day. I'm planning to replace coolant for "my" Innova. Alin sa gas station coolant ang ok, Shell, Caltex or Petron? Thanks in advanced to all fellow tsikot.
im using petron coolant sir but not distilled water, too bad...
ano kaya maging effect nito?![]()
Dear Sirs:
I recommend using just pure distilled water (or something like Absolute pure drinking water - as it is vacuum distilled) with little or no 'coolant'.
Probably the only other coolant I would recommend would be ethylene glycol mixed about 50/50 with water.
The combination has both a lower freezing point than either (not really that important in the Philippines) and a higher boiling point than either pure ethylene glycol or water alone.
You can also add 5 to 10 ml of something like the old Shell blue 'coolant' that becomes milky when mixed with water - it will help prevent rust - do NOT use the whole container.
I believe that most 'wetting' products merely reduce the surface tension of the water - which honestly can be done by a teaspoonful of any strong liquid detergent - check out Wikipedia on 'surfactants'.
Oh BTW - Never, never use tap water in your radiator.
Best Regards,
Dusky Lim
Pano po mag-flush o magtanggal ng water sa radiator? sorry newbie lang.![]()
Dear eat:
In most radiators, there is a drain plug on the bottom that can be reached from underneath the radiator.
It is usually a metal or plastic screw with a rubber washer. You can loosen it with a pair of pliers but be gentle - or you may break it.
To drain the radiator, WAIT TILL THE ENGINE IS COLD, then remove the radiator cap and loosen (do not remove) the drain plug, it usually has a slot cut in it to facilitate draining after it has been loosened a few turns.
The best and safest way to flush your radiator is to just add a pure distilled water like Absolute and then drain 1-2 liters away every weekend when the engine is cold.
Refill with more distilled water to make up for the amount you flushed - remember to fill the overflow reservoir too.
Because it has no minerals, the distilled water will slowly dissolve dirt and minerals (scale) that has built up in the engine.
Flushing out some of that, 1-2 liters will, over maybe a year will inevitably carry out most of the stuff.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Dusky Lim
Last edited by duskylim; February 3rd, 2011 at 09:51 PM. Reason: bad spelling
Pure distilled water is not enough.
A proper coolant is used for four reasons:
1. The insides of most cooling systems may employ dissimilar metals. In which case, corrosion will still occur even if the water is virtually clean. Specific coolants with the correct ratio of anti-corrosive chemicals are used to prevent or slow down this process. These chemicals are also called inhibitors for good reason.
-If ignored, a layer of corrosion (scales) will build up in time (engine block and radiator), reducing the system's heat transfer efficiency. It may eventually cause the cooling system to fail, giving you frequent overheating problems.
2. Most water pumps require lubrication. Again, the correct type of coolant will prevent the pump seals from "drying out" when using the wrong coolant type or plain/distilled water.
- If ignored, water pumps won't last as long as it should and would start to spring a leak.
3. Coolants are formulated to have a higher boiling point than plain water. It helps prevent localized engine hot spots as well as reduce the amount of fluid evaporation.
- If ignored, the cavitation caused by the boiling liquid will introduce hot spots (uneven heating) and may cause pre-ignition under certain conditions.
4. For its anti-freeze properties, though applicable only in countries with icy climates. It prevents the liquid from well, icing, and destroying the water pump upon starting.
AVOID using tap water or filtered water. If a suitable coolant is not available, distilled water can be used as a temporary substitute. Drain and replace with a recommended coolant immediately.
So what is the recommended coolant? This is important. OEM is BEST, period. As with No. 1 and No.2 above, there's a right balance or ratio of anti-corrosive chemicals as well as the required lubricant for the pump. Using the wrong coolant type will actually accelerate corrosion and/or kill the water pump! Take away the guess work and buy only the OEM coolant prescribed for your vehicle.
Last edited by oj88; February 9th, 2011 at 12:54 AM.
Some useful reading for the benefit of all motorheads:
http://www.usmotors.com/products/ProFacts/tableof.htm