radiator coolant/antifreeze
07 July 2010, 12:53 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: In the hills
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
radiator coolant/antifreeze
hello ive had my impreza now for about 3 weeks and have just come to my first problem, my radiator has split on the plastic edge so ive got to go and replace it. ive had a couple of quotes and the best price for a new one is £70.50 which i didnt think was too bad. just wanted to know if there is any special antifreeze/coolant that has to go in? its a 95 classic thanks for your help.
07 July 2010, 01:23 PM
#2
Hello mate, paid £60 inc VAT for mine, from a local guy, it's identical to the one that I took off.
Anti-freeze: I was advised to use the pink stuff, it's by CarPlan and has the necessary anti-corrosion additives. About £8 for 2.5 litres, dilute 50/50.
When removing the rad, you'll probably shear off at least ONE bolt holding the fan, and other pipes. Don't worry, the new rad comes with fresh threaded nuts captive, use stainless bolts from Screwfix, M6 x 16 or 20mm, and some grease on them.
I also repainted the fan support, the top and bottom rad supports, (which come off the new rad with 4 bolts, 2 top, 2 bottom, also replace with stainless), some of the pipework, and the two top brackets, with black Hammerite smooth, two coats.
You might be advised to replace your top hose too. I didn't and then had to a week later
£26 from a dealer, £5 from a factor. I used new, quality jubilee clips too.
Editted to say: this thread might come in handy too: https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...-tomorrow.html
One bit of advice the rad guy gave me: when replacing the small pipe on the rad next to the top hose, be VERY careful not to strain the plastic pipe it attaches to on the rad, it breaks off VERY easily and that's ANOTHER new rad.
Anti-freeze: I was advised to use the pink stuff, it's by CarPlan and has the necessary anti-corrosion additives. About £8 for 2.5 litres, dilute 50/50.
When removing the rad, you'll probably shear off at least ONE bolt holding the fan, and other pipes. Don't worry, the new rad comes with fresh threaded nuts captive, use stainless bolts from Screwfix, M6 x 16 or 20mm, and some grease on them.
I also repainted the fan support, the top and bottom rad supports, (which come off the new rad with 4 bolts, 2 top, 2 bottom, also replace with stainless), some of the pipework, and the two top brackets, with black Hammerite smooth, two coats.
You might be advised to replace your top hose too. I didn't and then had to a week later
£26 from a dealer, £5 from a factor. I used new, quality jubilee clips too.Editted to say: this thread might come in handy too: https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...-tomorrow.html
One bit of advice the rad guy gave me: when replacing the small pipe on the rad next to the top hose, be VERY careful not to strain the plastic pipe it attaches to on the rad, it breaks off VERY easily and that's ANOTHER new rad.
Last edited by alcazar; 07 July 2010 at 01:24 PM.
07 July 2010, 03:53 PM
#3
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Derby
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
try ebay i got mine of there and its been spot on, think i paid £52. im not sure about anitfreeze/coolant, when i went to romac the bloke asked me what colour i wanted i was abit confused because there are different colours apparently i just thought you mix antifreeze (which was pink in my case) with water.
Last edited by DEANO1988; 07 July 2010 at 03:56 PM.
07 July 2010, 04:03 PM
#4
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: In the hills
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello mate, paid £60 inc VAT for mine, from a local guy, it's identical to the one that I took off.
Anti-freeze: I was advised to use the pink stuff, it's by CarPlan and has the necessary anti-corrosion additives. About £8 for 2.5 litres, dilute 50/50.
When removing the rad, you'll probably shear off at least ONE bolt holding the fan, and other pipes. Don't worry, the new rad comes with fresh threaded nuts captive, use stainless bolts from Screwfix, M6 x 16 or 20mm, and some grease on them.
I also repainted the fan support, the top and bottom rad supports, (which come off the new rad with 4 bolts, 2 top, 2 bottom, also replace with stainless), some of the pipework, and the two top brackets, with black Hammerite smooth, two coats.
You might be advised to replace your top hose too. I didn't and then had to a week later £26 from a dealer, £5 from a factor. I used new, quality jubilee clips too.
Editted to say: this thread might come in handy too: https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...-tomorrow.html
One bit of advice the rad guy gave me: when replacing the small pipe on the rad next to the top hose, be VERY careful not to strain the plastic pipe it attaches to on the rad, it breaks off VERY easily and that's ANOTHER new rad.
Anti-freeze: I was advised to use the pink stuff, it's by CarPlan and has the necessary anti-corrosion additives. About £8 for 2.5 litres, dilute 50/50.
When removing the rad, you'll probably shear off at least ONE bolt holding the fan, and other pipes. Don't worry, the new rad comes with fresh threaded nuts captive, use stainless bolts from Screwfix, M6 x 16 or 20mm, and some grease on them.
I also repainted the fan support, the top and bottom rad supports, (which come off the new rad with 4 bolts, 2 top, 2 bottom, also replace with stainless), some of the pipework, and the two top brackets, with black Hammerite smooth, two coats.
You might be advised to replace your top hose too. I didn't and then had to a week later
£26 from a dealer, £5 from a factor. I used new, quality jubilee clips too.Editted to say: this thread might come in handy too: https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...-tomorrow.html
One bit of advice the rad guy gave me: when replacing the small pipe on the rad next to the top hose, be VERY careful not to strain the plastic pipe it attaches to on the rad, it breaks off VERY easily and that's ANOTHER new rad.
thanks mate, the top rad hose has already been replaced with samco water set. i supose 70 quid aint that bad and when its done at least i shouldnt have to worrie again. will give it all a good clean up when its out as i done the rest of the engine bay when i got her. thanks
07 July 2010, 06:16 PM
#6
Scooby Regular
I looked at £50-£70 Rads. ..... Basically, cheap rubbish - you will revisit the Rad within 18 months!
I haggled with my local Motor Factors and got mine down to £100 - but it is a decent one will should last the remaining life of the car (and then I sold it! But at least the new owner got a decent Rad.) ...... it's really not worth skimping on.
A word of warning .... check carefully the top left hand rubber mount hole - there should be 2 large holes, sometimes they come with just one - and it's the wrong one! Check very carefully before signing for it!
Good luck, but pay proper money for a proper radiator!
I haggled with my local Motor Factors and got mine down to £100 - but it is a decent one will should last the remaining life of the car (and then I sold it! But at least the new owner got a decent Rad.) ...... it's really not worth skimping on.
A word of warning .... check carefully the top left hand rubber mount hole - there should be 2 large holes, sometimes they come with just one - and it's the wrong one! Check very carefully before signing for it!
Good luck, but pay proper money for a proper radiator!
Trending Topics
07 July 2010, 07:43 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: In the hills
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks for all the advice, the company im getting the rad from is reliable as they make there own and im buying direct from them. i used them a few months ago for my dads and was very please with customer service quality and price.
07 July 2010, 09:36 PM
#10
"you need the blue/green coolant not the pink."
It depends on the brand, but in most cases the orangey pink stuff with a 5-year lifespan will be the right one. The basic blue stuff with a 2 year lifespan should definitely not be used, but some brands (Subaru's own, and maybe Comma) have greenish stuff with a 3 year or longer lifespan, which is safe for alloy engines.
It depends on the brand, but in most cases the orangey pink stuff with a 5-year lifespan will be the right one. The basic blue stuff with a 2 year lifespan should definitely not be used, but some brands (Subaru's own, and maybe Comma) have greenish stuff with a 3 year or longer lifespan, which is safe for alloy engines.
07 July 2010, 09:47 PM
#11
I looked at £50-£70 Rads. ..... Basically, cheap rubbish - you will revisit the Rad within 18 months!
I haggled with my local Motor Factors and got mine down to £100 - but it is a decent one will should last the remaining life of the car (and then I sold it! But at least the new owner got a decent Rad.) ...... it's really not worth skimping on.
A word of warning .... check carefully the top left hand rubber mount hole - there should be 2 large holes, sometimes they come with just one - and it's the wrong one! Check very carefully before signing for it!
Good luck, but pay proper money for a proper radiator!
I haggled with my local Motor Factors and got mine down to £100 - but it is a decent one will should last the remaining life of the car (and then I sold it! But at least the new owner got a decent Rad.) ...... it's really not worth skimping on.
A word of warning .... check carefully the top left hand rubber mount hole - there should be 2 large holes, sometimes they come with just one - and it's the wrong one! Check very carefully before signing for it!
Good luck, but pay proper money for a proper radiator!
07 July 2010, 10:05 PM
#12
"you need the blue/green coolant not the pink."
It depends on the brand, but in most cases the orangey pink stuff with a 5-year lifespan will be the right one. The basic blue stuff with a 2 year lifespan should definitely not be used, but some brands (Subaru's own, and maybe Comma) have greenish stuff with a 3 year or longer lifespan, which is safe for alloy engines.
It depends on the brand, but in most cases the orangey pink stuff with a 5-year lifespan will be the right one. The basic blue stuff with a 2 year lifespan should definitely not be used, but some brands (Subaru's own, and maybe Comma) have greenish stuff with a 3 year or longer lifespan, which is safe for alloy engines.
i was told by my local subaru garage to only use the green/blue coolant, is the comma pink ok then?http://www.commaoil.com/productsguide/view/6/298
07 July 2010, 10:34 PM
#13
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: In the hills
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
lots of views here, im going to drain the whole system and flush it through (only with water) and refill from empty so shouldnt need doing for a while again. Will probably go with the pink as this sounds the best option for me.
08 July 2010, 10:45 AM
#15
Mine was CarPlan pink, it seeems to work OK, and the stuff that WAS in it, put there by a respected engine builder, was pink.
But as I said, don't just go by colour: it's what's in it that matters. A decent a/f with corrosion inhibitors is what you want.
But as I said, don't just go by colour: it's what's in it that matters. A decent a/f with corrosion inhibitors is what you want.
08 July 2010, 11:37 AM
#16
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: East london.....with my head under my bonnet.
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some pink anti freeze has amino acids in them. CAREFULL!!!!!!
I have BMW coolant as i know its good quality that doesn't sludge or cause rubber reaction issues. Contains Ethane and has no nitrates in it.
I have BMW coolant as i know its good quality that doesn't sludge or cause rubber reaction issues. Contains Ethane and has no nitrates in it.
08 July 2010, 08:04 PM
#18
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: East london.....with my head under my bonnet.
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nearly all of the "blue" antifreeze brands contain Ethylene Gloycol.
The ones which are Acid based, (mostly used in diesels) are the ones that are no good for the engine, or any rubber gaskets in the coolant system.
The ones which are Acid based, (mostly used in diesels) are the ones that are no good for the engine, or any rubber gaskets in the coolant system.
10 July 2010, 06:11 PM
#20
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
to revive this thread, where did you get your rad from? i have been quoted silly prices of £260 locally for a 96 classic. I asked why they are so much & the standard response they give me is 'well its an expensive performance car ennit' - which translated into english means - 'we are raping you because of they car you own'.
So any help of cheap rad suppliers would be good. Just looked on the bay of e & i can get an alloy one for about £200! maybe i should get one of those?
So any help of cheap rad suppliers would be good. Just looked on the bay of e & i can get an alloy one for about £200! maybe i should get one of those?
10 July 2010, 06:28 PM
#21
to revive this thread, where did you get your rad from? i have been quoted silly prices of £260 locally for a 96 classic. I asked why they are so much & the standard response they give me is 'well its an expensive performance car ennit' - which translated into english means - 'we are raping you because of they car you own'.
So any help of cheap rad suppliers would be good. Just looked on the bay of e & i can get an alloy one for about £200! maybe i should get one of those?
So any help of cheap rad suppliers would be good. Just looked on the bay of e & i can get an alloy one for about £200! maybe i should get one of those?
https://www.scoobynet.com/group-buys...-radiator.html
10 July 2010, 09:37 PM
#27
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: wild west yorkshire
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i paid £130 for mine from low kost motor spares. . . i couldnt tell where the leak was coming from for a few months so when i had it serviced at subaru they told me id need a new water pump and seals and it would be £500... i said id get back to them when i had the cash... id notice a slight crack in the radiator and week later the radiator split open, luckily just outside my house. that was over 3years ago... no pump needed. . never been back to subaru since. . . yea im still pissed with them!
11 July 2010, 12:32 AM
#28
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Silkolene Pro Cool is in my system. My 03 rad was well into 3 figures when I had mine changed as the top corner was leaking. The annoying thing was not seeing it before the bloody warranty ran out! Lol
11 July 2010, 09:30 AM
#29
Antifreeze, a bit like how do i do an oil change on a subaru lark LOL
It depends on the yr of the car,i use this, on my 95 wrx,been fine for the 4 yrs so far (2 changes)
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_229902
but if you have a newer car then the other stuff to use is
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_229902
It depends on the yr of the car,i use this, on my 95 wrx,been fine for the 4 yrs so far (2 changes)
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_229902
but if you have a newer car then the other stuff to use is
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_229902
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mattybr5@MB Developments
Full Cars Breaking For Spares
28
28 December 2015 11:07 PM
Mattybr5@MB Developments
Full Cars Breaking For Spares
12
18 November 2015 07:03 AM
