Antifreeze

Post by **les** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:33 pm

This is a calling all members type of thing really, I have been looking for some Mobil Advanced antifreeze now for about 10 months, no kidding. The reason being, it is apparently not compatible with other stuff and I need to top up, just adding water is making the stuff weaker and weaker.
I have been in touch with Mobil and they will only sell me 20 ltrs for around 70quid, they would/could not tell me of a current outlet. (Halfords used to keep it) It's a hassle completely changing to another brand as it's in something more complex than a minor to remove air locks from. So basically if someone spots some of this illusive stuff in their travels, you might like to give me a shout please!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:00 pm

Why is it not compatible ? All are based on monoethylene glycol ( ethane-1,2-diol ) these days with a few anti-corrosive additives. I would just top up with a good reputable make. Otherwise - just change it all for new (should do it anyway every few years) and chase out the air locks!

Post by **sowden** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:10 pm

Ethane-1,2-diol eh? Blimey, that takes me back to my Polytechnic days.

Chemical nomenclature aside; Halfords do a hi-tech antifreeze which aint cheap but gives 5* protection (or something similar, according to the claim). It's about 15 quid for 5 litres but they reckon lasts 5 years. Better that plus the system flush than £80 for a lifetimes supply?

Anyhow: Good luck, Les, with your search; if I see any Mobil Advanced lurking anywhere I will post.

Post by **les** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:21 pm

Thanks, this Mobil is a 5year touch, another reason why I feel cheated to have to change.

Post by **Luxobarge** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:24 pm

I don't think they are all made of the same stuff - the ordinary "blue" antifreeze is not compatible with "Red" long-life stuff - if you mix it, it coagulates into globby gell goo, which will block rad passages - ask me how I know! (had this problem on my bike!)

I very much doubt that the Mobil stuff is unique - I expect it is their version of the Red long-life antifreeze.

Ford/Jaguar use this in a lot of their current vehicles, or you can get it from Halfrauds.

What I'd do is buy a small quantitiy of "red" from Halfrauds and mix it out of the car and see if it dilutes and mixes OK - if it does, go for it!

Hope this helps.....

Post by **les** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:52 pm

Thanks for that Lux, Just to update, I had a final ring round today, amongst other places I tried Mobil again, they were very helpful this time and offered to phone one of their distributors to find out any recent deliveries and who they were to. They called me back and had a list of possibilities for me to try, so I'm hopeful that at last I may get a result. Just goes to show, if you get the right person on the end of the phone, it can make all the difference. After the last response I nearly didn't bother to make the call.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:00 pm

Interesting to hear that some would not mix. Years ago antifreeze was sometimes made with methanol - perhaps if you mixed that type with glycol it would co-agulate? Now they are all glycol - folks were drinking the old stuff!

Post by **les** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:11 pm

Now it seems some contain all manner of ingredients and be free of others like phosphate, silicate and the like, also mixing with distilled water is often recommended.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:05 pm

Certainly if you live in 'hard' water district that would be wise.

Post by **Luxobarge** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:26 pm

Yep - I live in a very hard water area, but I have a de-humidifier in the garage that produces a copious supply of distilled water - so the cooling system gets it, the screen washer gets it, and we use it for the clothes iron!

And still we throw lots away.....

Post by **Squiggle** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:22 pm

This might seem a bit off topic......

Please take care when draining antifreeze ond making sure none is leaking .......

A friend's cat had to be put to sleep recently after drinking antifreeze/water that was leaking from a vehicle. The vet says they like the taste and it caused kidney failure.

Sad.

Post by **aupickup** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:32 pm

why was the cat working on the car

Post by **Squiggle** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:39 pm

aupickup wrote:why was the cat working on the car

Not Funny

Post by **aupickup** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:43 pm

sorry , was not meant to be nasty

Post by **Squiggle** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:24 pm

aupickup wrote: sorry , was not meant to be nasty

Thanks.

Bit sensitive as taking my cat to the vet next week. I'd be devastated if it happened to her.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:09 pm

that was not funny.i use halfords antifreeze in a 50% mix it works fine .

Post by **les** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:32 pm

.i use halfords antifreeze in a 50% mix it works fine .

I'm sure all antifreeze works fine. But as mentioned, I'm trying to avoid a complete change, which your suggestion would entail. Luckily one off my recent leads has provided me with 5ltrs. Thanks for all replies.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:52 pm

Morris lubricants also do a long life 'red' anti freeze, I don't know if its compatible but sounds like the same type. http://www.morrislubricantsonline.co.uk ... a+Life+Red

Post by **les** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:07 pm

It is likely to be compatible, but I have got some of the same make now. Thanks for the link.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:23 pm

Super, at least you've sorted it!