Coolant top up

[shakyjaky]

The cream plastic cannister in the right hand corner under the bonnet is showing under the low level. Can anyone tell me is this is the coolant canister for the radiator that i should top up with a mix of anti freeze and water.

[g8dhe]

Yes its the coolant tank, and should be maintained between the two levels. Do make sure you use the right anti-freeze and also that if it drops below the low level that you make sure no air has got into the system. Unlike most vehicles the coolant flows thru the tank and if its gets to low then you MUST bleed the system, otherwise you could end up with an expensive bill. Do a search for overheating and/or bleeding the system and you will rapidly see the problem!

[shakyjaky]

Thanks - can you let me know what is the correct anit freeze to use???

[mikeonb4c]

Yes its the coolant tank, and should be maintained between the two levels. Do make sure you use the right anti-freeze and also that if it drops below the low level that you make sure no air has got into the system. Unlike most vehicles the coolant flows thru the tank and if its gets to low then you MUST bleed the system, otherwise you could end up with an expensive bill. Do a search for overheating and/or bleeding the system and you will rapidly see the problem!

Just to avoid any panic, should this bit read:

if its gets too low then you MUST bleed the system

In other words, is the game over just because coolant has dropped below the 'low' mark in the header tank (which seems a bit harsh and unlikely) or is it only over when the level has dropped too low as a result of the header tank being empty. I'd welcome clarification on this

[g8dhe]

Thanks Mike, yes I looked at that and thought something was wrong just couldn't see what it was Yes its TOO low, i.e if air gets into the pipes leading to the tank.

As to the correct Anti-freeze I'm not an expert on that but there appears to be two types and you DON'T want to mix them! There are lots of references if you do a search but I found this one that might help.

[francophile1947]

If the coolant has not been changed since coming to the UK, it is probably safest to fully drain, flush the system and replace with new coolant. There have been cases of our antifreeze not being compatible with the Japanese varieties, leading to a reaction that can block the waterways/radiator.

[scanner]

As to the correct Anti-freeze I'm not an expert on that but there appears to be two types and you DON'T want to mix them! There are lots of references if you do a search but I found this one that might help.

The correct type is "the same as is already in there" therein starts your problem - what sort is in there?

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us120426.htm

All you can do (if you don't want to do a complete coolant change) is buy some "Universal" coolant which is sold as able to be mixed with any other type and use that.
But even then some "Universal" coolants say "May also be used universally - providing the system is flushed out before refilling."

So to sum up:- if you don't know what's in there or when it was last changed - the only safe thing is do a complete flush and refill.

[missfixit70]

And find out where the coolant's gone, level shouldn't drop, check all your hoses, pipes etc & monitor the level, may be worth investing in a low coolant alarm?

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks Mike, yes I looked at that and thought something was wrong just couldn't see what it was Yes its TOO low, i.e if air gets into the pipes leading to the tank.

As to the correct Anti-freeze I'm not an expert on that but there appears to be two types and you DON'T want to mix them! There are lots of references if you do a search but I found this one that might help.

Goodo - thought that's what you'd meant. Didn't want a panic to get started where none was needed so thought I'd best check