VP anti-freeze

[snowbird30ds]

What is the best option for antifreeze in VP 41's without breaking the bank on the genuine VP stuff? Mine is the green stuff and it's gonna cost nearly £200 to replace in both engines!
I don't like buying ready mixed as I'd be paying a fortune for 50% distilled water that I can get for free but want to keep good anti corrosion qualities.

 

[Plum]

What is the best option for antifreeze in VP 41's without breaking the bank on the genuine VP stuff? Mine is the green stuff and it's gonna cost nearly £200 to replace in both engines!
I don't like buying ready mixed as I'd be paying a fortune for 50% distilled water that I can get for free but want to keep good anti corrosion qualities.

If you just want antifreeze then anything from your local car spares shop will work but the coolant also contains corrosion inhibitors and I have not been able to find the VP specification for this so not prepared to take the risk and continue to buy the VP stuff.

 

[footsoldier]

What is the best option for antifreeze in VP 41's without breaking the bank on the genuine VP stuff

A moment's thought will make it clear that a niche engine builder such as VP does not have the scale to manufacture their own anti-freeze, in the same way that they do not produce their own oil! Your local car parts shop - or even Halfrauds - has what you need.

 

[PaulRainbow]

What is the best option for antifreeze in VP 41's without breaking the bank on the genuine VP stuff? Mine is the green stuff and it's gonna cost nearly £200 to replace in both engines!
I don't like buying ready mixed as I'd be paying a fortune for 50% distilled water that I can get for free but want to keep good anti corrosion qualities.

For older engines (non OAT coolant), how about this : AG11 BLUE 20 LTR CONCENTRATED BLUE ANTIFREEZE 20 Litre LONGLIFE 20L | eBay

 

[VicS]

What is the best option for antifreeze in VP 41's without breaking the bank on the genuine VP stuff? Mine is the green stuff and it's gonna cost nearly £200 to replace in both engines!
I don't like buying ready mixed as I'd be paying a fortune for 50% distilled water that I can get for free but want to keep good anti corrosion qualities.

Any conventional antifreeze concentrate for older engines from Halfords or your usual motor parts supplier.
Not the OAT type. That is the equivalent of the VP yellow coolant.

 

[PaulRainbow]

If you just want antifreeze then anything from your local car spares shop will work but the coolant also contains corrosion inhibitors and I have not been able to find the VP specification for this so not prepared to take the risk and continue to buy the VP stuff.

Any decent coolant will have corrosion inhibitors, check the labels (see post #4). Volvo don't make coolant and their engines aren't made from special metals.

 

[snowbird30ds]

That's good enough for me then, ta chaps!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Any conventional antifreeze concentrate for older engines from Halfords or your usual motor parts supplier.
Not the OAT type. That is the equivalent of the VP yellow coolant.

Halfords are barely any cheaper than VP

 

[Skylark]

Halfords are barely any cheaper than VP

It’s well worth applying for their Trade Card. Details on their website. Up to 20% discount on many (useful) lines.

 

[harvey38]

For older engines (non OAT coolant), how about this : AG11 BLUE 20 LTR CONCENTRATED BLUE ANTIFREEZE 20 Litre LONGLIFE 20L | eBay

What does OAT stand for please?

 

[VicS]

What does OAT stand for please?

Organic acid technology.

 

[Refueler]

First - look at the colour of the AF ... that is a general indicator of the type of AF ...

But as Paul says - stick to the standard ordinary stuff ... usually the cheapest !!

 

[harvey38]

Organic acid technology.

Thanks, I assume that would be OK to use in a pair of 6L Ford Sabre motors?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks, I assume that would be OK to use in a pair of 6L Ford Sabre motors?

Your Sabres are almost certainly not using OAT, they will likely be on the stuff i linked to above (or any other brand of the same type). Best check though as they don't mix well.

 

[thinwater]

First - look at the colour of the AF ... that is a general indicator of the type of AF ...

But as Paul says - stick to the standard ordinary stuff ... usually the cheapest !!

Actually, that is no guide at all. There are nos standards and both OAT and Non-OAT come in both green, yellow, and other colors.

If we are taking Volvo, the SDS says it contains hexanoic acid, so probably very similar to Decool.

(I spent many years on the standards committees ad have tested many, many brands).

 

[Refueler]

Actually, that is no guide at all. There are nos standards and both OAT and Non-OAT come in both green, yellow, and other colors.

If we are taking Volvo, the SDS says it contains hexanoic acid, so probably very similar to Decool.

(I spent many years on the standards committees ad have tested many, many brands).

I was on ASTM Standards ... BSI EN ... actually a Senior Regional Manager for BSI ...

Colour has no official recognition I agree ... but it has in many brands been adopted as a visual reference. No g'tee of course - never said there was ..

 

[snowbird30ds]

Any point in flushing and going for the modern OAT stuff or is that just a pointless exercise with no real benefit?

 

[Refueler]

Any point in flushing and going for the modern OAT stuff or is that just a pointless exercise with no real benefit?

Your money !! IMHO - no ...

Flush yes - always a good idea ... but AF ? I'd stick with the usual stuff ... it has all the corrosion / cleaning agents you need ..

 

[PaulRainbow]

Any point in flushing and going for the modern OAT stuff or is that just a pointless exercise with no real benefit?

The stuff you're using is suitable for your engine, OAT might not be.

 

[VicS]

Thanks, I assume that would be OK to use in a pair of 6L Ford Sabre motors?

Only if OAT is recommended for your engine and if it is already using OAT.

Generally the two types should not be mixed although there are antifreezezs on the market which it is claimed can be mixed with either type.

Maybe a thorough flush will be sufficient if you want to change but be aware that Volvo Penta recommend, or at least did recommend, a chemical clean. An expensive procedure if carried out by a VP agent.