Coolant change

**urbanfox** · 3rd December 2010, 17:25

what are the chances of my car being ok with a small mix of anti freeze in it?

**mozzer99** · 3rd December 2010, 17:38

A small mix is plainly undesirable. Buy a tester ASAP.
Given the temps these last few days at the least the mix will go to a mush.
Check the header tank before starting. If it's a mush run it for 2 minutes then stop. Let it thaw slowly and start again.

If it's solid then use a fan heater to slowly thaw the engine and cross your fingers.

Best way for a quick fix is to syphon out the header tank and refill with neat anti-freeze. Run the engine (cap off) for a while noting that there is circulation inside the header tank. Stop, syphon and refill with neat again.
This will add a litre and make an -8c solution just about.

Depending on model it is quite easy to dump the existing coolant and do the job right and quickly?

**Das** · 3rd December 2010, 17:42

If it is frozen under no circumstances try to start it, the water pump will not move and will throw the timing belt causing untold damage.

**urbanfox** · 3rd December 2010, 17:53

thanks for the replies.

Will the block be cracked?

**mozzer99** · 3rd December 2010, 22:23

Originally Posted by urbanfox

thanks for the replies.

Will the block be cracked?

Worst case - i.e. your mix is so low that it has frozen solid - then yes it is a distinct possibility, but normally some of the core plugs will pop out first.

**Graeme** · 4th December 2010, 20:00

Is this easy to do, draining the system? i have lost a bit of coolant and been topping up but not always with coolant sometimes just a touch of water. Off to find my wee tester and then stealers on monday for some coolant.

**John LE** · 4th December 2010, 20:50

You shouldn't be losing coolant mate, you must have a leak somewhere. Has the timing belt been done and and was the water pump replaced?

Check all pipes, joints and the radiator for a crystal like substance and this will be where it's leaking from.

Failing that worst case scenario is a knackered cylinder head gasket but if it's been doing it for a while you would have had some other symtoms

**Graeme** · 4th December 2010, 23:18

no obvious leaks mate. mine being an auto i am bit worried that may be where its leaking to. only other thing i have noticed is that on the expansion tank there is a little hole at the top on the back like its meant to be there just wonder if there should be a cap on it. will try and get a piccy tomorrow

Edit timing chain or pump never been done

**urbanfox** · 6th December 2010, 11:43

Well i am pleased to report that my header tank was full of water and not ice, so it looks like i must have a decent amount of anti freeze in there, as its been getting down to minus 8 here!

thanks for info guys!