Which Coolant To Use?

[850_olaf_nz]

Hi folks

have used the search bicycle, didn't find much detail on this topic.

As part of my thermostat, main hoses, water pump, and ECT sensor replacement, I'll be flushing the system and refilling with fresh coolant. I expect Volvo coolant here is ++$$$, so I'm looking to understand the following:

1. What to look for in a coolant that's suitable for an 850 engine. Brand names down here may not be the same. I think we get Prestone, anyway. So for me it's more useful to get a "look for an Ethylene Glycol based coolant with XX additives..."

2. 7 litres is the system capacity, yes?

3. Use deionised water, yes?

4. Should I use an aftermarket flush product, or just use 50/50 vinegar and water (8 mins idle and then a couple more with heater on full), followed by a couple of flushes with clear water? (I've been reading Volvospeed review of that flash coolant).

4. Anything else I missed?

Thanks in advance

'Olaf'

[Chilled man]

I am lazy but havnt had a problem yet .

this is what i do

Pull bottom hose drain it out.

Put that bottom hose on fill with water

Run for 5 mins

Pull bottom hose drain it out

put that bottom hose back on

Fill with I jug of 100% mix of your personal favorite color - Orange- Blue or green just dont mix them

Fill the rest with water

Drive for alittle

Fill the rest with water after you get rid of the airbubbles

Done

[7 VII 7]

what is the point of flushing the coolant with water/vin??

[prasamin]

i just get prediluted coolant from the local auto parts store and put it in...never had an issue....usually use Prestone or Peak.

[850_olaf_nz]

777 asked "what is the point of flushing the coolant with water/vin??"

I read about it here: http://volvospeed.com/Reviews/engine_ice.htm

I guess boiling vinegar breaks down limescale in the system? Perhaps Mr Volvospeed himself can comment?

cheers

'Olaf'

[WhiteT5]

what is the point of flushing the coolant with water/vin??

Ever cleaned a coffee maker with the stuff? It's nasty.

Use Zerex G-05 or Volvo coolant.

[Che'_Moderator]

Ever cleaned a coffee maker with the stuff? It's nasty.

Use Zerex G-05 or Volvo coolant.

Yup. Its to clear scale. The turbo coolant hoses are very prone to it.

[Geevs]

If you got Zerex brand coolant over there get this EG-based coolant

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/pr...l.asp?product=8

or this which others here have great success with

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/pr....asp?product=10

And yes, system is approx 7 liters. What I do to get a near 50/50 mix is perform a water flush after you've done the diluted vinegar flush, then pour in the entire 4L jug of coolant, then top off with water. Run the engine to mix. Check the coolant level a few hours or next day as air pockets in the system will be released. Top off with more water as needed.

[850_olaf_nz]

thanks for the responses. guys!

Valvolene is over here, so we may indeed get Zerex brand. I'll have a look at Supacheap Autos today. I recall using Zerex in the 90's (used to buy parts in the US for a VW GTi I had down in DF).

I guess it's white vinegar, not malt vinegar, that's called for.

cheers

'Olaf'

[850_olaf_nz]

well, no Zerex here in wellington. they had prestone - a pre-mix variety, and a concentrate. I ended up with Nulon Long Life Concentrated Coolant (dinky die aussie stuff) - aside from having huge concentration of glycol per litre (1060grams per litre), it also meets Volvo standards so I'm happy with that. I'll run 50% with water which will give huge band - -37 to 132 degrees C.

Picked up some flush (it's cheaper than vinegar and deionised water), and 5 litres of de-ionised water (always useful to have extra). I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

'Olaf'

[7 VII 7]

so I am doing a coolant flush... should I look into using Engine Ice? I have been using Advance AutoParts 50/50 coolant for a long time now and have never had an issue

[PhilippineT5]

im using Motul Inugel completely , no problem so far

[Ozark Lee]

The whole issue is Phosphates. The Zerex G05 is phosphate free. As I understand it the phosphates can react with minerals in the water and create a corrosive mix that will gradually eat away at the radiator. It is more of a problem in Europe than in America - I'm not sure about down under. Otherwise they are all ethylene glycol based.

I do run Zerex G05 in my Volvo's and the Porsche but the only place I can find it is NAPA.

...Lee