How much coolant?...

[Dominic]

I am planning to change my radiator on the elise this weekend. Was planning to get some of the OAT coolant to go in it. I already have some (pink), so will get more of the same - question is - how much does the system need?... and is it used neat, or diluted with water?

TIA

[robin]

You can buy coolant diluted (pre-mixed) or concentrated (you have to mix with water).

Suggest you buy the pre-mixed stuff as less grief.

10L diluted or 5L concentrated (yields 10L when mixed) should be enough; 5L probably won't be.

If the current coolant is not OAT then you should fill with water and drain a few times to try to eliminate as much of the old coolant as possible (effectively you'll be diluting it out of the system with tap water). Also note that it doesn't want to be mixed with air, so pour it in through a funnel and try not to stir it up too much - a nice steady pour is what you want.

People say that mixing the two types of coolant can lead to the formation of a chewing gum like substance; there are even videos on the internet to "prove" this; I put "prove" because those tests are by no means scientific.

Cheers,
Robin

[woody]

I am planning to change my radiator on the elise this weekend. Was planning to get some of the OAT coolant to go in it. I already have some (pink), so will get more of the same - question is - how much does the system need?... and is it used neat, or diluted with water?

TIA

Dom, do you have a copy of the manual? I have & should be able to drop it off to you. The system bleeding process is well described in it.

[Stephen]

Dom the system needs 8 litres

[Dominic]

Thanks for all the replies.

The system already has pink OAT in it, so I have bought 10l of pink ready mixed.

[GBOBM]

I use evian in mine.

[jammacdo]

Remember there are two nipples to play with once you have warmed her up.

You know, one at the front near the radiator and one near the block at the back

[Stephen]

How did the radiator change go?

[Dominic]

How did the radiator change go?

It didn't Seems having baby in the house means that getting five mins to myself is a challenge.... ho hum.

[Stephen]

It doesn't get any better from here on either!

[robin]

I don't know - mine are both at Uni now, so mostly quiet

[campbell]

How did the radiator change go?

It didn't Seems having baby in the house means that getting five mins to myself is a challenge.... ho hum.

If you can change a rad in 5 mins then you can do mine next time

[campbell]

Oh, and it DOES get better. One of our two terrors is becoming an established spannering helper and car valet. There is hope...