V6 Coolant/Antifreeze Whats the best.

[windywatson]

What's the best coolant to use in the V6 petrol?
I have a low coolant alarm & have read some makes of coolant coat the alarm screw & cause the alarm to operate.

Cheers.

[Bongolia]

Dunno on the coolant type, but I think the screw coating issue only happens while the AF "settles"down.
After that time you take it out clean it and refit and its good to go.
I think!

[g8dhe]

Yes the fresh coolant only has a fixed amount of silca to coat active surfaces, so once this has been laid down then its used up and the coating process stops. How long it takes is another matter, but normally only a few days/weeks.

[cmm303]

What's the best coolant to use in the V6 petrol?
I have a low coolant alarm & have read some makes of coolant coat the alarm screw & cause the alarm to operate.

Cheers.

One of the best posts about anti-freezes by Mikexgough. It followed a query with a diesel so needs confirmation that it applies to the V6 as well.
http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 30#p680714

[ade33]

I'd be interested in this too, as my V6 is (currently) running again and I want to replace the coolant before the temps drop.

When I changed the radiator I refilled the system with water, as most of the existing coolant remained after the rad popped. I put in a radiators worth of water, then about 2 more litres - what that equates to as a percentage of the system capacity I'm not sure. Whatever is in there it's more dilute now than is ideal, so I'm keen to get it out and some fresh put in.

However the coolant I have is bright, almost flourescent, yellowy-green. Beyond that I've no idea what the spec is.

I read Mike's post from the 'overheating' thread, but is there any advice on how to determine what coolant is in there in the first place, so I / we can avoid using coolants that don't mix?

[cmm303]

I'd be interested in this too, as my V6 is (currently) running again and I want to replace the coolant before the temps drop.

When I changed the radiator I refilled the system with water, as most of the existing coolant remained after the rad popped. I put in a radiators worth of water, then about 2 more litres - what that equates to as a percentage of the system capacity I'm not sure. Whatever is in there it's more dilute now than is ideal, so I'm keen to get it out and some fresh put in.

However the coolant I have is bright, almost flourescent, yellowy-green. Beyond that I've no idea what the spec is.

I read Mike's post from the 'overheating' thread, but is there any advice on how to determine what coolant is in there in the first place, so I / we can avoid using coolants that don't mix?

I think it is Bluecol who make a universal antifreeze that mixes with either a/f type. But if you are doing a coolant change I'd take tbe opportunity to completely flush the system and fill with the preferred product. You will then know that you have right concentration and right coolant, no doubts.

[Northern Bongolow]

the post quoted by chris above is indeed on of the go to accurate posts on coolant. .

to summarize use O A T coolant, this is its chemical makeup, so it will not harm/attack the various dissimilar metals present in the whole coolant system, if you fail to do so the inside of your system will look like an old landrover door where the ally meets the steel frame.

i used red coolant for ten years on 2 bongo.s, carplan premium red was a good O A T coolant, during this time i changed the coolant on both twice as its 5 year only cleaning 1 screw once.

this is a good priced correct coolant available in ready mix or concentrate.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-a ... &0&cc5_866,

[Eratosthenes]

I had my coolant replaced at the beginning of last winter by A and S Motor repairs in Caerphilly, a bit of a journey for me but they are excellent with Bongos, always have 1 or 2 in at any time. Asked what they had used and told it was long life red - if that is of any help.

[cmm303]

The carplan premium red mentioned by Northern B is a long life red OAT and should be fine to mix. To eliminate any doubt you could ask the guys who did your coolant change to confirm, since they weren't specific about the a/f used.

[teenmal]

What's the best coolant to use in the V6 petrol?
I have a low coolant alarm & have read some makes of coolant coat the alarm screw & cause the alarm to operate.

Cheers.

Personally I would go for tried and tested Bluecol 5 Year Universal, it will mix with whatever is left in the system..