How often do you top up your coolant?

Jay.Blanket · 31-03-2012, 05:32 PM

So...
How often do you top up your coolant fluid and what do you use?

4ford · 31-03-2012, 06:06 PM

Since I replaced mine some 12 months ago, I've not had occasion to add any more at all...hence I don't recall what I used!
Cheers

BHDOGS · 31-03-2012, 06:08 PM

90 tectaloy plus and whenever it needs it maybe every couple months.

SirHenry · 31-03-2012, 07:08 PM

Aluminium radiator with Nulon Red every 12 months usually flush it in spring.

FGII-XR6 · 31-03-2012, 07:14 PM

Never top mine up as I have no leaks i drain and flush once a year using ford premix with demineralised water (I have a mate in the local ford parts who looks after me

)

Sox · 31-03-2012, 07:31 PM

I never top up, but change every few years with this and tap water.

http://www.nulon.com.au/products/Coo...ms/Ultra_Cool/
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Mr Hardware · 31-03-2012, 11:40 PM

I use nulon anti-freeze/anti-boil (plus inhibitor) long life coolant. I haven't had to add any in over a year. I don't ever do a 'flush' - a part of the cooling system will fail forcing a change soon enough. This goes for just about everyone.

mik · 01-04-2012, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

I use nulon anti-freeze/anti-boil (plus inhibitor) long life coolant. I haven't had to add any in over a year. I don't ever do a 'flush' - a part of the cooling system will fail forcing a change soon enough. This goes for just about everyone.

except for the control freaks that change everything before it fails

**auIILTD** · 01-04-2012, 12:40 PM

No topups, but use coolant conditioner from Natrad (has no antifreeze as I am informed this is the corrosive part on seals, hoses etc).

rowan194 · 01-04-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sox

I never top up, but change every few years with this and tap water.

http://www.nulon.com.au/products/Coo...ms/Ultra_Cool/
.
image

According to that page it's for pre-1984 cooling systems? The recommended Nulon product for AU1-3, both I6 & V8, is long life concentrated coolant. Did you get confused with the product name or are you really using that stuff in your rad?

Sox · 02-04-2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowan194

According to that page it's for pre-1984 cooling systems? The recommended Nulon product for AU1-3, both I6 & V8, is long life concentrated coolant. Did you get confused with the product name or are you really using that stuff in your rad?

Yep, that's what I use.
I've never had a need for glycol (anti freeze/boil) and it's associated corrosion producing properties. Even in snow conditions.
Most people don't.

webbiegareth · 02-04-2012, 11:01 AM

We have to top up a small amount every 3 months, but we don't have to add much though, maybe 1/2 a litre every 3 months? From the service history apparently there's a weap at the water pump, but since it's not using to much we haven't done anything about that one yet.

(No idea if it's 1/2 a litre, basically it'll go near the min mark every 3 months or a bit longer, then I top it back up to the max mark).

My mechanic puts in Nulon long-life coolant, I usually top up with demin water though.

I was told it's normal for these cars to use a bit of coolant though? I'm surprised to here everyone here saying they never need to top up!

Sox · 02-04-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webbiegareth

We have to top up a small amount every 3 months, but we don't have to add much though, maybe 1/2 a litre every 3 months? From the service history apparently there's a weap at the water pump, but since it's not using to much we haven't done anything about that one yet.

(No idea if it's 1/2 a litre, basically it'll go near the min mark every 3 months or a bit longer, then I top it back up to the max mark).

My mechanic puts in Nulon long-life coolant, I usually top up with demin water though.

I was told it's normal for these cars to use a bit of coolant though? I'm surprised to here everyone here saying they never need to top up!

It's not normal to use coolant.
If the coolant needs topping up every so often, there's a leak.

last fairlane · 02-04-2012, 07:44 PM

My AU series one
5 litres every week
it leaks around the water pump and the metal line close by
I use Supercheap $5 for 5 litres stuff
once a week
ive also had the argument about pre 84 cars
but when it runs out that fast who cares
its been like that for 5 years with no issues
thanks John

blueoval · 02-04-2012, 08:01 PM

I have never needed to top up. I forgot what coolant was used when I have my cooling system flushed and radiator done. But if I was to, I would use De-mineralized water just to top up.

Cúl-Báire · 02-04-2012, 10:55 PM

Never, I was going through a little bit a while ago due to a leaking bottom hose; however since I changed the hose no leaks. I flushed the system a few weeks ago, and use Nulon's long life concentrate mixxed with a bit of distilled water.

macman · 02-04-2012, 11:07 PM

Topped up my AU2 TE50 once every 6 months (very very slow leak from thermostat housing when hot).

Never needed to top up my AU1 TS50 - never leaked.

Always use Motocraft premix + distiller water in my AU2 and Tectaloy + distiller water in my AU1. Never use tap water in any of my cars.

Evgeni · 04-04-2012, 08:31 PM

I never top up the coolant, unless there is a leak. I have only ever found leaks where the heater hoses go into the cylinder block and at the back of the water pump.
What I do every service is check the pH of the coolant with a multimeter. If it is too acidic, I will flush out the system and start again.

HI PSI · 04-04-2012, 08:52 PM

I put new coolant in every 2 years or engine change..... Whichever comes first.... :p

rowan194 · 05-04-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

I have never needed to top up. I forgot what coolant was used when I have my cooling system flushed and radiator done. But if I was to, I would use De-mineralized water just to top up.

Over time this dilutes the coolant anti corrosion additives to nil. My welch plugs rusted out after about 18 months of topping up with demin water due to a slow leak.

blueoval · 05-04-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowan194

Over time this dilutes the coolant anti corrosion additives to nil. My welch plugs rusted out after about 18 months of topping up with demin water due to a slow leak.

That is true, but it's not like I top up with distilled water every week. It only on occasions, maybe once a year with about 250mL of distilled water. After 2 years I get the system flushed per normal.