Changing the coolant
 

My 03 STi is now over five years old (but only 29k miles) and never had a coolant change. The handbook shows just one drain point at the base of the radiator but any tips would be welcome. Also, have you any particular anti-freeze and additive recommendations eg water wetter, pump lube etc?

Cheers JohnD

Should ideally be done every 2 years..;)

Mine is about due and I was thinking of doing it myself as it seems easy enough. However, the cambelt is also due (rad has to come out), so I may as well let the people doing that refresh coolant.

IIRC, it's quite straight forward;

• remove header tank cap and front reservoir cap
• place bucket under drain cock (there will be ~7litres, but you can turn off drain half way through and empty bucket)
• close drain cock and refill, very steadily via header tank (small alloy tank virtually above turbo). Once you see coolant reach the expansion tank lower mark, stop. Start engine, squeezing upper rad hoses to help expel any air. Run at tick over until fans come on (watching your fingers..!:eek: ),
• Wait until engine cools and recheck, top up if nec. Keeping an eye on how much you put in compared to what you drained is a good idea..:)
• Coolant type; as long as it's designed for alloy engines it should be fine. Cheapest way is to buy concentrate and mix yourself..;)

I'm sure someone will correct/add anything that's not quite correct..;)

That's good.
Wanted to make sure there was nothing left out of the handbook instructions such as an engine block plug or an air bleed. I'll set the heater control to max as well.

JohnD