Best Coolant Change Method

Coolhand · Post by **Coolhand** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 2:46 pm

I have only just got my Ford Freda (just imported)and am working my way round all the regular maintanence items. Next on my list is to change the coolant (should be changed every 2 years).

I have read the read the data sheet (and maintenance manual) and see that there 3 different methods of doing this (BDC constant flow method, see-saw and the Mazda recomended way). I quite like the BDC method as it is the lowest risk of getting an airlock and involves less dismantling however it is a 2 man job so I am probably going to use the Mazda method however I must admit I am a bit nervous about getting an airlock (the reving at 2500 for 5 mins seems a bit extreme).

What is everyone elses preferred method?

Mike

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 3:18 pm

See saw for me. Less chance of getting coolant all over the carpets. The 2500 revs is mainly to ensure the stat is fully open and coolant flowing well. This is a easy one man job and if you want full details PM me and I will give you my Tel No.

nfn · Post by **nfn** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 6:15 pm

There's a fourth option if you like spending money on toys: a Mityvac cooling system test and refill kit
http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_cse.asp

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 10:00 pm

Cripes - which one do you get and what does it cost (not that I'm up for it!)

nfn · Post by **nfn** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:15 am

I want a Mityvac for christmas.

Getting them in the UK doesn't look easy. On Amazon.com (US) the MV4535 goes for around £50. But it only refills the system without airlocks -- the MV4525 is the desirable one because it comes with test equipment to check for leaks in the cooling system. It costs a bit more than twice as much. Plus you need an air compressor if you don't already have one for either of them to work.

I believe that this sort of kit is more common in the US because there are lots of vehicles with big fiddly cooling systems -- having a rear heater core for separate rear heat is not uncommon in SUVs in the US, and I'll bet the rear heater is in part why the bongo suffers so much from airlocks.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:43 am

We just got some for the college, I'll find out on Monday who the supplier is.

jimsmimm · Post by **jimsmimm** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 12:04 pm

"We just got some for the college, I'll find out on Monday who the supplier is".... thats handy.... I wonder who decided the college needed them....

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 1:10 pm

Oh yes....DEFINITELY want one of those. Just the cheaper non test version. If several people want one, it may be a better proposition...as long as I can get it sent here.
Helen

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 2:14 pm

jimsmimm wrote:"We just got some for the college, I'll find out on Monday who the supplier is".... thats handy.... I wonder who decided the college needed them....

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:42 pm

Hi nfn
That Mityvac 4525 is about $230 on amazon ....just over 110 smackers in English spondulicks....I'll spend £50.00 - £75.00 on a similar unit if there is anything available....any ideas anyone....running on compressed air ...no prob
Cheers
Helen

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:36 am

Hi
I've just found the English equivalent to the mityvac system....Sealy make a fill system :- VS0041, which is workshop air powered, and retails through distributors for just over £70.00...."Dear Father Christmas"
Has anyone out there any experience of this tool?
Cheers
Helen

nfn · Post by **nfn** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:01 am

We need a guinea pig to buy and use one of these on their bongo -- preferably the Sealy version, as you can get it in the UK. My only real reservation is whether the system will fit on the bongo header tank. I don't see why it wouldn't work otherwise... unless there is some reason that you can't effectively create a vacuum in the bongo cooling system.

I will buy and test one when I get around to it, then post a message here about whether it's easy to use. However, I don't have a great track record for getting around to doing things in a timely fashion...

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:47 pm

Hi nfn
Gentleman and a scholar it is that you are sir!!...we'll await your verdict...my plan is to get one after christmas, and the usual noeltide postal delays, that is if I can get a firm to send one
Cheers
Helen

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