Coolant...............Im scared!!

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

Hi,

I have had my 97 Freda for about 2 weeks, it is running lovely and I'd like to keep it that way...................
The coolant levels are about mid point between min and max but I want to prepare for when I need to top it up. I've read a few posts and learnt that the blue/green UK stuff I should steer clear of, however it's definitely green what's in there now so don't know whether this is the Mazda stuff (read about earlier) or the UK stuff? Its been in the UK at least 4/5 years and like I say running well. How do I determine what is in there, can you even buy the original Mazda stuff in the UK? Is it likely to be the UK stuff?
The previous owner hasn't been very helpful, I think she just had the local garage sort it out once a year. I don't really want to bleed and flush if I can help it.
What would you experienced guys do if you were me?

Thanks in advance.


Gary

[Bob]

I don't think you need to 'steer clear' of blue or green coolant, just bear in mind that the different types are not compatible.

It's recommended that the coolant is changed every 2 years, although the pink 5 year is fine, just flush well before changing types.

To answer your question, in your place I would drain, flush, refill, and bleed the system.

There are 3 You Tube videos (produced by some popular Forum members) but if you're not confident I'd take it to a Bongo Friendly garage and get the work done. Pop a rough location in your profile and someone can likely suggest one.

This is a pain and costs some money, but it will be a fraction of the cost to sort problems which may occur if it's ignored.

The cooling system really must be kept in good order on a Bongo.

[teenmal]

What vehicle do you have?

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

I don't think you need to 'steer clear' of blue or green coolant, just bear in mind that the different types are not compatible.

It's recommended that the coolant is changed every 2 years, although the pink 5 year is fine, just flush well before changing types.

To answer your question, in your place I would drain, flush, refill, and bleed the system.

There are 3 You Tube videos (produced by some popular Forum members) but if you're not confident I'd take it to a Bongo Friendly garage and get the work done. Pop a rough location in your profile and someone can likely suggest one.

This is a pain and costs some money, but it will be a fraction of the cost to sort problems which may occur if it's ignored.

The cooling system really must be kept in good order on a Bongo.

Thanks for your reply Bob, I was reading a previous thread with regards to the UK blue/green stuff, perhaps I misread.

I've now looked at the log book and it was registered in the UK in 2008 so if the current solution is green what is it likely to be?

I'm trying to avoid the bleed for now

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

What vehicle do you have?

Ford Freda 1997

[Bob]

Obviously these people are selling their wares, but an interesting read:

https://www.holtsauto.com/prestone/news ... t-colours/

If you are having to top up More than the smallest drop I would be investigating why.

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

Obviously these people are selling their wares, but an interesting read:

https://www.holtsauto.com/prestone/news ... t-colours/

If you are having to top up More than the smallest drop I would be investigating why.

Will have read, I'm just worrying really, wanted to bring it back up to max and then if there were any small leaks I might have time to notice.

[Muzorewa]

What vehicle do you have?

Ford Freda 1997

I think he means which engine....

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

What vehicle do you have?

Ford Freda 1997

I think he means which engine....

Is that not enough ???

2.5 diesel

Regs,

Gary

[Bob]

Bongos come with 3 engine options, advice will vary accordingly.

[Dungoisdadsbongo]

So would anyone deem it necessary for me to top up the coolant in the interim as it is sitting between min and max? I will definitely approach the bleed and flush but don't really want to so soon after getting it. It will need a service and MOT in July I'm think then...........

[teenmal]

Sitting between Min and Max is what you want, and in the meantime if you need to top up at any point you could use Bluecol Universal antifreeze ,you might also consider fitting one of these.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Low-Coolant-L ... xyGxxSLdwA

Take care

[Northern Bongolow]

you could start by getting one of these, they tell you what temps your covered down to on ethylene glycol antifreeze. if you antifreeze is strong you could just top up with water for now.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/112443896052?c ... 912&crdt=0

[Bob]

Agree with that Ady.

My main concern with old coolant is galavanic corrosion.

It wasn't an issue in the olden times when head and block were the same materials, now they're different...

https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=st ... 7QjBLL4Sc4

[mikeonb4c]

If it doesnt already have one i'd strongly recommend fitting a low coolant alarm as insurance against the day when you get a leak. The Haydn Alarm is the original and best, if not the cheapest. And welcome