after changing radiator, how much antifreeze?

[Jow20]

As above after a complete drain of all water and new radiator fitted how many bottles of anti freeze is needed to fill the system back up? I feel the garage that did the swap has put too much in! The colour is deep strong pink, thought it should be a light weak pink? He said he put two bottles in it all in all to fill the system uo. Does this sound right? Or how can i drain some out myself and top up with water? If they have put too much in and i leave it, what symptoms will i get? or any probs? Thanks

[justin32]

2 litres of antifreeze diluted 50/50=4 litres....as you probably already know.I m not sure of the exact amount needed from dry but it cant be that far off.

The "brightness" of the coolant depends on what make was put it,i know for a fact that the offical VX stuff is a pale pink but other brands such as halfords is a very bright pink.When i first for my car i thought the mixture was too weak going by the colour but i know different now.

Mybe worth asking what coolant was put in and how diluted it was before you start draining off and topping up with water

[rushy]

I think the 2.2 takes about 7L of coolant from memory.

[Big Dave]

I think the 2.2 takes about 7L of coolant from memory.

7 litres of coolant!! That would make the system contain 14 litres with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water

With manual box, 7.1 litres capacity.
With autobox 7.6 litres capacity.

[rushy]

7 litres of coolant!! That would make the system contain 14 litres with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water

With manual box, 7.1 litres capacity.
With autobox 7.6 litres capacity.

No that would mean the system would contain 7L of coolant, comprising of 3.5L of water and 3.5L of Antifreeze

[Big Dave]

Coolant = antifreeze
Water = water

Therefore a system containing 7 litres of coolant doesn't have a 50% mix of water. It has 100% coolant/antifreeze in it.

[Jow20]

Wow 7 litre! It was red carplan antifreeze

[rushy]

I've just replaced my thermostat and had to replace 5L of coolant so 2.5L of antifreeze. Think 5L of VX long life cost about £13+vat from Autovaux.

[Big Dave]

According to the handbook a 1.8 engine (that's what the OP has down in his profile) has a capacity of 5½ litres.

Don't forget though, you'll never drain the system right down. Some will remain. Best to flush through the whole system with plain water then add 2¾ litres of coolant and then top up with water. That way it gets rid of the old coolant and any crud in the system.

[Das]

Enough to give you protection down to -28 for proper anti corrosion protection.