Help with coolant drain / Antifreeze

[invisible]

As per title.

On my EVo IX

Noticed checking my expansion tank that not only was the coolant fluid very clear but also low.

I have removed the coolant expansion tank, empotied it and cleaned it out as some gunk in the bottom and have also removed the radiator cap and drain the fluid via the drain plug at bottom of radiator.

Liquid is very clear so I guess the coolant strength very weak.

Is there any reason why I can not use Halfords Advanced long life antifreeze (as have some left from when I did my Golf last weekend). They use an orange colourant I think Mitisi use green iirc?

Any other tips as its a bit differnt to the Golf.

Ie) I assume I refill via the radiator cap directly and not via the expansion tank?

I was planning on filling the radiator (with drain valve closed) to the top, is that correct? Then filling the expansion tank and run the engine with the radiator cap off and squeeze the pipes to release any air and to get the coolant around the system.

Then top up the expansion tank to the max level, warm car and then drain again until liquid comes through the coolant colour, close up and top up radiator and coolant tank. Is this correct as I do not want to over fill.

Also should the heater be set to high but not one when running the engine?

All guidance greatly appreciated

 

[drue1]

the antifreeze my mech used was orange so its got to be the same as what your going to use
i had to take my rad out the other week to change my turbo
i drained and used the same water that come out of my rad filled it up and topped to the top put cap on and put a little bit of water in the header tank,started it up got it warm and drove home my 6 was fine

 

[invisible]

Cheers.
Im sure antifreeze is antifreeze but wanted to make sure. I believe manufacturers just add different colours so they know it's there brand as you shouldn't mix em.
I think I'm just being paranoid but would ideally like to check as I've now flushed system this is ok approach

 

[B6lee]

Comma extreme green mate.

2 litres is usually about right

Yep, fill it through the rad cap.
What I normally do is park car facing slightly up hill or jack the front of car up.
Slowly fill the rad. Now to help the mix you can pour in some coolant, then water, then coolant etc until full.
Topping a half empty bottle of coolant with water will also help the mix. Or get like a 5 litre container and mix coolant and water before putting it in the rad. but really there is no need as it will mix once the car is running.

The last half litre will need to be poured in very slow as the level rises to fill the top rad hose. Just keep pouring till you can't get anymore in. Fill bottle to max line
Then put the cap on and let her run for a few mins with the heater on hot and a moderate fan speed. Then maybe go for a drive if you want.
When you return allow engine to cool right down then check the levels in the rad and in the bottle, sorted

 

[invisible]

Cheers Lee as always.

 

[B6lee]

Don't forget, if you find a post useful then click the woot tab

 

[Clarkie-boi]

On this topic I feel I shud do mine too thnx guys lol

 

[invisible]

Also guys just done a little bit of digginf around across the road too

I was originally going to use the Halfords Advanced stuff (orange) left over from doing my Golf the other day (OATS standard).

I hear that some have flushed and changed their EVOs over to this and suggest it has caused some corrosion!

I will be flushing with de-ionized water just to be safe.

I'll see if my local Halfords does the Comma stuff. Says they are stockist but don't recall seeing it in when I was there last.

For clarity I think its the following stuff to give it it's full title;

Comma Xstream G48 'Green' Antifreeze and coolant.

Doesn't actually quote Mitsi's in approved list but does say it's for high performance cars so all good.

Amazon and Wilco supply online too, comes in 1L or 5L containers

 

[Steve220]

The idea of antifreeze compounds is that it crystallises the rust so prevents further corrosion. On cars that have not had proper treatment over the years it will have rust in the water and the crevices of the coolant system that you won't flush out properly. Once the halfords stuff goes in, it crystallises this rust and creates gunk which is why people think it creates corrosion.

When i did mine, i drained the coolant from the bottom hose, removed the rad and had it cleaned. All the pipes were removed, cleaned and replaced. The system once back together was filled with boiling water (to open the stat) and radiator flush was added. This was left in the car for around 20 miles of spirited driving to allow it to do its job and attack the gunk, dissolve the rust dust and break down any other rubbish in there. It was then drained (it was very mucky),flushed with the hose then filled with water, ran for 5 minutes, drained then filled with a 40/60 mix of halfords pro to water. The coolant colour is STILL pink and i am fully satisfied that is working well.
Steve

 

[B6lee]

Yea comma g48 that's the stuff. As recommended by Mitsi im told.

And as said, recommended for use in high performance

 

[fq-craigus]

I know you shouldn't mix the two colours so the general idea is if blue comes out blue goes in and if orange comes out orange goes in

 

[invisible]

True you shouldn't mix but if you do a proper flush then should be no issues.

I think the advice is if you not sure what's in the tank flush it.

Interesting Steve, thanks for the comments.

I know my car has only done 30K but likely the service history is flakey and I wouldn't be surprised if its still the same stuff it came with!

What agent do you suggest using as having a few deposits in the coolant tank I suspect some in the rad too.

I was just going to flush with de-ionised water but think I might use an agent too to properly clean.

Ive got my Comma Xstream Green on order

 

[Steve220]

Ignore the expansion tank, in the grand schemes of things its right at the bottom. Just top it up with water and a bit of coolant and leave it as it'll do its own thing.

 

[invisible]

All changed and been for a little drive. Just need to let it cool and then top up as necessary.

Jeezers I'd forgotten just how many different noises my EVO made. Must try and get these resolved this year. Bite the bullet and get a full diagnostics check and take it from there