Anti Freeze

[Cyril]

Thinking ahead for winter, my car cannot be garaged but will be parked between the walls of two house close to each other.
Is it ok to use anti freeze solution in the radiator of Morris Travellers?
Thanks
Mark

[simmitc]

Not only OK, but essential! Use older type Bluecol and NOT modern antifreeze. We could get into organic acid technology and other such things, but it's simplest to just know that you want Bluecol, readily available.

[Cyril]

Thanks for that
Cheers
Mark

[lambrettalad]

They do one that lasts two years

[Cyril]

Great, this Autumn I will drain the radiator (as I don't know what was in previous) and add new water and Bluecol.

[lambrettalad]

make sure you have the heater valve open,good luck

[dalebrignall]

i use a 50/50 mix

[les]

Must be expecting an arctic winter then!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Use BLUE colour antifreeze, mixed to the ratio of 50/50 if you wish (that's what the garages are doing now). Chaps with alloy engines/heads use 'antifreeze' - which is also a coolant and corrosion inhibitor - all year round to protect the water jacket.

[les]

I suppose it screws more money out of folk, that's the only reason I can think of. 33% covers our need here.

[lambrettalad]

better safe than sorry ,I use 50/50

[drivewasher]

it should reaaly be in there all year round. Thermostat housing and water pump are aluminium and the steel block corrodes in just water anyway

[mike.perry]

Do not forget to check for leaks

[Cyril]

What about the window washer bottle?

[simmitc]

NOT antifreeze in the washer bottle, use proper screenwash.

[lambrettalad]

washer bottle ,my mixture ,that kept me screen clean for 16 years B'ham to Leicester every day is: approx
20% cheap washing up liquid (tesco's)
40% concentrated screen wash
40% fresh water

worked a treat

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Antifreeze in the screenwash will ruin the paintwork. I would have thought that washing-up liquid would leave streaks on the screen, no?

[MarkyB]

Washing-up liquid is loaded with salt to make it seem thick.
I won't be using your recipe.

[lambrettalad]

tesco's basic aint thick but 5.30 am on a wet ,soggy morning with salty spray ,it worked

[Cyril]

A friend at work suggested vinegar with a tablespoon of bicarb of soda?
I know they use this in toothpaste but as an antifreeze?????
I am not sure