Antifreeze
coolants and their use in MGBGTV8 engines
Concerns over the effects
new types of antifreeze have on older engines have been raised by the Federation
of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Tony Lake provides a useful
guide to the key issues. His more detailed article is available on the V8
website, see below.
Summary of the recommendations:
| o |
When changing coolant use a 50/50 mixture of Traditional Antifreeze and water.
Select a brand that is suitable for classic cars, it will meet BS 6580, the main
constituent will be either mono ethylene glycol or mono propylene glycol, properties
will be shown on the can or in a data sheet. | |
o |
At subsequent checks with engine cold always top up through the radiator filler
cap with the same mixture used for initial fill, check and adjust level in expansion
tank. Never top up with raw water. | |
o | Don't
mix different brands of antifreeze because formulations do vary and may not be
compatible, so follow manufacturer's advice. | |
o | Change
the coolant every 2 years or at the interval recommended on the can or in the
data sheet. | | o | Replace
defective hoses if they are cracked or perished. Troubleshoot leakage by examining
connections, replace if badly corroded. | |
o | Make
sure that the expansion tank pressure cap is sound. If in doubt replace it - it's
not expensive! | | o | Make
sure air flow through the radiator is unimpeded. |
Posted:
080412 | 
Antifreeze
coolants and their use in MGBGTV8 engines, a summary article by Tony Lake. More
Antifreeze
coolants and their use in MGBGTV8 engines, a longer detailed article by Tony Lake.
More
Concerns with modern antifreeze formulations for classic
MG enthusiasts - see our report on the suitability of current antifreeze formulations
for use in classic cars following a recent
newsletter from
the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC).
More
|
