Thread: Coolant Change

Originally Posted by scottie2065

i wouldnt think there would be much difference mate, i just buy coolant in 5gallon drums, and put it in neat, maybe someone else knows how much is needed.

I hope you read the instructions on the coolant first? As some have to be diluted, as they offer less protection in a neat form than when added in the correct mix of coolant to water.

Jon.

lol i just throw it in to be honest and then throw like a litre of water in to top it up to the right level.
just checked Elearn for the specific amounts of coolant required across the stilo range

Originally Posted by MEP

I hope you read the instructions on the coolant first? As some have to be diluted, as they offer less protection in a neat form than when added in the correct mix of coolant to water.

Jon.

Correct Jon..I did a coolant change the other day for my youngest son..the car had a 5ltr capacity in this respect ..so I bought a undiluted coolant from my local factors and followed their recomended dilution rate and it does what it says on the tin just like the advert on the box tells us..its quite simple when you sit down and just think about it ..you can either buy the ready diluted one [fool proof ] or buy the better way and more cost effective way and buy a consentrated one and dilute it yourself ..take the capasity of your cooling system and buy half that amout of consentrate and add to a bucket ..now fill the container the collant came in with water and that gives you double the amount..50/50 now add around half a container of water again and that should give you around the 30% dilution rate which should see of jack frost in this county no problem..

Simples..

The main problem with fiats if they have been dealer maintained is they use paraflu.[no nothing to do with the pig one or the asian variety ] there are two distinctive types of this a red one [which turns pink when diluted] and a blue one [not commonly used so much] neither of these should be mixed with one another and if you want to use another brand they should both be flushed from the cooling system before another is used..

Thanks guys but mine is as you say phil Red paraflu of which i carry a 1lt bottle for top ups ,,but given the price and it also being recommended for the fiat was looking to do a complete flush as it aint pink no more !!!! more of a yucky brown so it's well past it's best

I always do a DIY flush when changing my coolant anyways. Always get soaked

I'm also lucky enough to have large 10L sealable containers from work (what the carwash detergents come in). So onceproperly rinced out I use them to mix my 5L of pre-mix coolant into to produce about 9L of coolant each time

Hopfully coolant change will be tomorrow. Was piddling down all day today but weather is due to be dry tomorrow

Well done my coolant change today. It was the easiest change that I've ever done!

Mainly thanks to the quick release pipe connector fitted to the rad at the bottom! Result. Flushed the system 3 times to ensure all traces to origional coolant were practically gone. Then refilled with freshly mixed coolant



GUIDE

You will need (of using concentrated coolant) the following

• A measuring jug
• Mixing container
• Coolant
• Collection container to collect used coolant upon draining

Before starting ensure that cabin heating system dial is turned into the red area as though heat is on full

1) Place Collection container under bottom radiato pipe

2) Remove lower radiator pipe by undoing quick release connector (silver tab each side of the pipe conenctor)



3) Drain system into collection container

4) Flush coolant system if you see fit

5) Reconnect quick release connector by placing it onto rad reciever and pushing (or giggiling as I did) into place until you hear the quick release mechanism 'click' into place. Just pulling back off to ensure its connected into place correctly as if it isn't it can result in a leak and even compleate cooling system failure if it falls off!

6) Refill coolant system with fresh coolant upto max level

7) Bleed Radiator using bleed plug on top of radiator (same side as the lower pipe)

8) Run engine until coolant fan kicks in several times

9) Ensure system is leak free and that heat is coming through into the cabin

10) Dispose of drained coolant in accordance to local regulations.




Quick Release Connection

Connector locked for connection.


Connctor un-locked for dis-connection.



Pipe disconnected from rad


Pipe connected to rad

Now this has been very very helpful thanks to all

i think this could go in the guides section, good work MEP!

True that just been out from my mechanic 30 mins + a £5 and coolant changed (just me being lazy)........Next time though I know how good work MEP and everyone again