Coolant for a classic RB5?
 

Hello there, I hope this is the right section I've posted in?
I own a classic shape 1999 RB5 and am very confused as to which coolant I should use?
I have used the search button but can't see a clear answer if I'm honest, can somebody please point me in the right direction of one I can use?
The colours mean nothing I know as its just a dye added to it, so pink or blue isn't a help.
I think I've read that all that matters is its ok for use in aluminium engines and that the pink one from Halfords has been known to create a gunky film in the header tank? Please correct me if anything I've stated is incorrect.

Any help would be really appreciated.

There're a few brands available.

I get my car serviced at RCM these days, and last time it needed coolant, they stuck Fuchs Pro Cool in (it's what they stock on their shelf).

What Matt Clark doesn't know about the EJ motor isn't worth knowing... So that's good enough for me. I.e. I doubt RCM would go with a supplier where they weren't 100% confident in the product, first and foremost.

But, just like engine and gearbox oil, everyone has their 'subjective' favourites...... ;)

Thanks for the swift reply really appreciated, out of interest if I wanted to completely flush my system out and replace old for new, how many litres would I require?
Are there any petrol station or shops I can pick this stuff up myself or is it a online order only?

Thanks again! :thumb:

I'm sure some shops/garages do sell it, but not sure which. Obviously you can buy it online via RCM's website. Might be available on eBay and Amazon too.

IIRC, the coolant system takes around 7 litres (do a search on here to find out for sure). If so, then for good protection, you'd need 3.5l of coolant (i.e. a 50/50 mix is good for upto -30deg C, IIRC).

Great stuff, many thanks for all your help.

Bugger.

It's apparently already premixed 50/50 with distilled water...

FUCHS/SILKOLENE PRO COOL - 1 LTR - £6.77 (EXC. VAT £5.64)

...Which would mean you'd have to buy 7 (1 litre bottles) of it! At around £7 a bottle, that's c.£50!!

I'm certain, when I had a coolant change, it WASN'T premixed - i.e. I don't remember paying that much! :wonder:

Yeah that does seem a little on the expensive side for coolant looking at it like that?
Some manufacturer must do a concentrate with the same properties, what about this Prestone stuff it includes aluminium engines, I've heard of them but God knows it its any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1614896403...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Yeah, more economic to get the undiluted stuff, obviously.

From what I've gleaned, the best stuff is an OAT based coolant and propylene glycol (ethylene glycol is okay but is more toxic).

This is what Halfords recommends for our 1999 Turbos:

SUBARU IMPREZA 1999 (T) 2.0; 1994CC DOHC 16V TURBO

The grey cans are the concentrate. You'd have to get the 5L one (as even at a 2:1 dilution, the 2L one would only make up 6L).

...Ah, I've just re-read your OP, and seen the bit about the Halfords stuff not being suitable. :wall:

lol


Hopefully, some others will post up their suggestions in due course..............

When I needed to do mine, i simply went to a reputable motor factor in town, and asked for a coolant suitable for an alloy engine and having an anti-corrosion additive.

Cost me about £10 for enough to do the coolant change plus spare.

Yeah, That's prob. the most convenient - and cheapest - route, TBH.

True, thanks both of you for your suggestions, most appreciated.

I have just changed mine with '4 life'.Demon Tweeks sell it on ebay for £20 for 5 litres & is ready to use.Do remember that if u use a concentrated one u will need distilled water to mix with it.

No such thing as a for life coolant, not unless you are running a fully closed system.

I have been using the halfords pink coolant for the last 9 years that i have owned my impreza and have found no gunky stuff in the header tank.

The last time i changed the coolant it come out looking exactly as it went in.

Didn't say it lasted for life mate,
It is called 4 life.🙊

Can't argue with that anecdotal evidence... Indeed, it would seem unlikely that none of their coolants wouldn't be okay in the EJ...

I've always used this .
Kev.

http://www.commaoil.com/passenger-ve...iew/351/XSR5L/

I used the Xstream G48.

Used the g30 as it was silicate free .
Kev.

4-life, For life?

Whatever, it's a scam.

Yes confusing "4life" when it actually lasts for 10 years according to the manufacturers.

It must be if you say so chief.

Whatever........all I know is that I wouldn't want the same stuff in my car more than five years. The constant temp changes and pressure changes will change the chemicals.

You take the risk if you want.

To be honest I wouldn't want to leave it in anymore than that.I recently changed to this as I thought it looked quite good & didn't cost anymore than the Comma red I had in before.I planned on not leaving it in anymore than 4/5 yrs anyway.It is made by Castrol so I thought why not.

Fair enough.