Re: Coolant change

[LadyInBed]

Re: Coolant change

How often do you change your fresh water coolant?

I haven't replaced mine in the last four years, just top it up with 50/50 water/antifreeze, am I storing up a problem?


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[tillergirl]

Re: Coolant change

Was chatting to the Volvo people at Volspec a couple of weeks ago about this and other things. The manual says it should be changed every second year and flushed. The guy said that they check to see if the colour is still good, the coolant is clear and that the specific gravity is still right. If so they leave it alone. I'm following their practice but I can't find out what the specific gravity should be (I have a anti-freeze checker which just has floating balls.

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[StugeronSteve]

Re: Coolant change

"I have a anti-freeze checker which just has floating balls. "

Is there a lot of water in the bilges or has he got very short legs?

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[ParaHandy]

Re: Coolant change

in much the same position and can't make my mind up either ...

the very real danger is that you will get bacteria forming which will, given time, restrict or even block the waterways .... there is no warning of this.

i think i'll flush mine out this year ....

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[Steve_N]

Re: Coolant change

Specific gravity of ethylene glycol solutions <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/24_146.html>here</A>.



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[dickh]

Re: Coolant change

I also was concerned over this and used to check the SG using a car type hydrometer thingy - the last winter bit the bullet, changed the coolant, cleaned out the heat exchanger(expected to see bits of impellor blade but quite clear), and refilled with a 50/50 solution. Only problem was getting the water out of the bottom of the block, had to remove the tap and poke around before any water came out with a gush. This was after 6 years in my ownership, no idea when it had been changed before.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[LadyInBed]

Useful link, thanks - nm

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[tillergirl]

Re: Coolant change

Just the ticket, thank you.

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[Col]

Re: Useful link, thanks - nm

The anti freeze component will last but the corrosion inhibitor component weakens with time. Hence replace it every 2 years.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>