Wrong anti-freeze?

[TheStinkyHippy]

I am concerned after a post I read on FB about anti-freeze regarding mixing types.

My header tank was a little low (only about 1cm down from full),
I extracted a little, it was pink..
So I bought this; http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0055N8I4W
Comma SLA1L 1L Super Antifreeze and Coolant Concentrated - Red
mixed it 1:3 with distilled water and topped up the header..

Now i'm worried I have done the wrong thing...

[Bob]

I would have thought pink/red was the same, but we do have peeps here with a lot more knowledge than me, and I think the normal mix is 50/50, but such a tiny amount shouldn't hurt.

[cmm303]

Generally orange/red/pink is the type using OAT (= long life antifreeze).
Generally green/yellow/blue is the type using silicate inhibitors (= 2 yr life, aka "traditional").

It is therefore likely that your top up was compatible but if you know who put in the original antifreeze the safest would be to ask what they use.

The problem with mixing is that the effectiveness against corrosion is reduced and it can turn to a gel which reduces flow causing overheating. If you are unlucky and have any suspicion of this happening or the coolant turning a mucky colour I would empty and flush asap.

I appreciate that this is bolting the stable door after the horse has gone, but I always do small top ups with water. So little is required and it saves these worries!

[TheStinkyHippy]

Thanks for the update.
The radiator was replaced about 6 months before I bought it (1.5 years ago) and the work order just says 2.5lt of antifreeze.
I had a look in the header (sucked some out with a syringe) and it is still nice and liquid pink stuff.
I'll keep an eye on it and flush if it starts to change colour/lumpy.. probably due a coolant change next year anyway.

[cmm303]

Thanks for the update.
The radiator was replaced about 6 months before I bought it (1.5 years ago) and the work order just says 2.5lt of antifreeze.
I had a look in the header (sucked some out with a syringe) and it is still nice and liquid pink stuff.
I'll keep an eye on it and flush if it starts to change colour/lumpy.. probably due a coolant change next year anyway.

They may have a stock antifreeze they always use.

[mikeWalsall]

Always loadsa posts on the right anti freeze ..

Until they standardise the colours of anti freeze according to the chemical composition .. I reckon that in general .. the colour is irrelevant .. as manufactures can 'do there own thing' .. some even doing colour less anti freeze now ..

The main problem what I could see is on fresh imports .. or old imports still with the original Japanese anti freeze in ..

Japanese Manufactures are very fond of 'Water less coolant' .. a very popular one being Toyota Red ..

This type should not be mixed with water as it can turn to a gungy jelly and gob up the system ..

[Northern Bongolow]

the antifreeze you have topped up with is perfect for a bongo, ally head and all that, its perfect in chemical makeup, ie its an oat based coolant, this is one of the reds i always use. the possible problem comes when you mix with an unknown.
i would test the strength of the coolant, see what its covering you down too as 2.5 lts is a bit of a strange amount to put in, if its now got 3 different lots in, the original + 2.5 lts +your little top up who knows whats going on in there, is one old and knackered, the 2.5 ok but now diluted. dont forget its about anti corrosion and cold protection.

most people should notice a 10mm drop in the coolant level given that the temps are starting to fall, just top up with water.