Coolant do I or don't I?

[georgey]

Hi Guys,
Bit of a dilema owned my Bongo for 4 years now with no issues, touch wood, my dilema is: do I flush and change the coolant or just leave alone, if it ain't broke don't fix it sort of thing!!! Regards Geoff.

[MountainGoat]

Depends if you know what type of coolant you have. If it is still the original Japanese stuff or ordinary coolant it will be time for change. On the other hand if it is long life British Coolant like the 5 year Comma Red that I have in my Bongo then you have another year to go. In any case check the strength it should be 50/50 Coolant/ Water (preferably distilled if your local water is hard).

If you do the job then replace the stat with a genuine Mazda stat. If you have any problems ask Ady (Northern Bonglow) for advice as he is a wizz at it, he change my coolant for me.

Tony

[Simon Jones]

Change it. The anti-corrosion protection is only guaranteed to last for 2 years on conventional anti-freeze. The coolant flows through a mixture of aluminium, steel & iron around the system, so plenty of opportunity for rust of ferrous item as well as oxidation of the alloy head & radiator.

You may also want to consider changing brake fluid as that is generally considered to only to have a 2 year lifespan as it is hydroscopic (absorbs water), so the brake components can start to corrode. Also, as the water heats up, it tends to turn to steam which introduces air in the system which results in a spongy pedal.

[georgey]

Thanks for the replies guys...

[haydn callow]

I think you should do it yourself or get it done.
BUT
Do PLEASE make sure whoever does do it knows how to get all the air out of the system..

[georgey]

Thanks Haydn I've seen you do it at Stourport so know how important it is...I was just concerned that I may tempt fate that's all...will be doing it myself. Regards Geoff.