Antifreeze

[owenmorris]

Could somebody recommend a suitable antifreeze for my 1961 948cc Minor and what quantity I would need.
Thanks, Bernard.

[Blaketon]

I've always used Blucol and I use it 50% / 50%.

[philthehill]

http://bluecol.co.uk/nevonproducts/anti-freeze-2-years/

I would purchase 2 ltr and add to the radiator the quantity required to ensure that the radiator coolant system does not freeze at the lowest temp required.

The standard coolant system of a Ser 11 and Morris 1000 holds 9 1/2 pints.

If you are not going to just top up the system I would give the system a good flush before adding the antifreeze.

[simmitc]

Bluecol is the only AF to use in a Minor. Change every two years, flush the system each time. Make sure that the heater tap is open. Pre-mix the AF with clean water and fill with that. If you have not checked the hoses, then do so before changing the coolant.

[les]

I use distilled water in an aluminium block, and a Minor come to that but not sure how important it is in iron.

[owenmorris]

Thanks for the advice.

[Biggles1957]

Distilled H2O is not a good idea - it will react over time with aluminium especially at elevated temperatures and between different metals. Distilled water is not as 'neutral' as one might think - it's not pH7.0, it's usually slightly acidic. Acids and aluminium react - hydrogen is released and the aluminium slowly dissolves. Best to use Blucol or similar because it has corrosion inhibitors . I have always used around 50/50 but a bit less is fine.

[les]

Oh that's not good news ! I'm sure the recommendation for the car is antifreeze with distilled water. Will have to find out more after hearing that. I actually used de ironised water, presumably the same.

[les]

Since that frightener, just spend some time on google. Seems distilled/deionised water is is widely suggested to be the correct choice, I'll leave well alone thanks.