Technical correct antifreeze/coolant for mk2

[panda panda]

Just a quick one......

Had a search but as usual lots of irrelevant stuff came up

So as the last owner had helpfully topped up the coolant with about a litre of water I think it's a good idea in this chilly spell to drain down and refill the system with appropriate mix.

Leading me to the question which mix to go for? Never seen parrotflu on the shelves so what's the best thing for her please.
I'm even planning on using deionised water

Looking forward to a nice drive out in Fizzle just don't wanna end up with a frozen block of ice up front

Thanks everyone

 

[Palio]

Paraflu is definitely the best - you want the blue one, not pink. Trouble is the expense! If you've ever seen the insides of a 30 year old car exclusively run with Paraflu you know it's worth the extra - no corrosion and no sludge build up!

Unless you know that yours has been run on Paraflu just go for a decent brand of blue antifreeze & mix 50/50. Drawback of Paraflu in a dodgy system not used to it, is that it can cause leaks as it clears out the crud.

If you want Paraflu you need to go to a dealer, or try Ricambio. About £8 a litre last time I got it - £2 for Total's version, so you pays your money & takes your choice.

 

[panda1408]

Whats so special about Paraflu? Just normal coolant in a Fiat bottle isn't it, any car run using decent quality antifreeze that is changed when it should be will be just as corrosion and sludge free as one run with Paraflu. Antifreeze is often overlooked which is where the problems start.

You can use blue or red, blue will need changing after 2 years, red after 5, either is fine, red just costs a little bit more.

 

[Palio]

Red has organic inhibitors based on OAT I believe & is therefore not recommended for older Fiat's including the Panda.

No they aren't all the same - you'd have to study Selenia's technical fact sheets to work out how though. They all meet some minimum standards, but not all are aiming for the same standard.

My Coupe still uses only Selenia Racing oil for a similar reason. My old Sisley at 126k makes do with anything decent though as it's probably past subtleties!

 

[panda1408]

I have been using red in my CLX for the last 3 years with no problems, I think Pandas are new enough to cope with it, epsecially FIRE engines. Do you know what problems it is meant to cause?

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

:yeahthat:

FIRE engines, although around since the 80s, are still a modern engine and red should be fine. It's what I use in all our cars personally. Halfords stuff, often on 3 for 2

 

[Palio]

This seems to be the standard technical info:

OAT corrosion inhibitors provide excellent long-term protection for aluminum and cast iron, but may not be the best choice for older cooling systems that have copper/brass radiators and heater cores. It depends on the formula.

There is also talk of problems with gaskets & seals.

Much like the ethanol problems in petrol by the sound of it - best to avoid and stick to the Fiat recommended formulation for long term peace of mind imo. Nothing I have seen recommends this for pre 2000 cars, so I'll stick with blue.

Maybe we should reconvene in 20 years and see what the result is. :idea:

 

[VmanC]

I think Pandas are just modern enough to be ok with the pink stuff but if there is a choice I'd go with the blue and change it every couple of years.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Nothing I have seen recommends this for pre 2000 cars, so I'll stick with blue.

Yes, but the same engine has been used from mid 80's to date. This is what I'm getting at, no changes, so how is it fine in a mk3 Panda with 1108cc FIRE lump, but not a Selecta with the same 1108cc FIRE lump

I can understand perhaps the likes of the mk1 Panda engine, and pre 80's Fiats, but can't see the logic with the FIRE engined Panda's.

 

[Dragon Man]

ya know.. i had this same convo on my thread, hmmm.... ahh >here< onwards

if i could afford it, i would still go with the waterless coolant... never have to change it again!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

ya know.. i had this same convo on my thread, hmmm.... ahh >here< onwards

if i could afford it, i would still go with the waterless coolant... never have to change it again!

Nah, not one for the waterless stuff myself. I don't like the idea of never changing it.

 

[panda panda]

I found this info on the Selena site........

Optimal removal of heat from the engine combustion chamber.
Maximum protection against:
freezing (down to an outside temperature of -40°C)
the formation of scaling;
boiling in the summer months, in motorway pileups

No wonder it's so dear if it can survive motorway pileups

 

[Palio]

Yes, but the same engine has been used from mid 80's to date. This is what I'm getting at, no changes, so how is it fine in a mk3 Panda with 1108cc FIRE lump, but not a Selecta with the same 1108cc FIRE lump

I can understand perhaps the likes of the mk1 Panda engine, and pre 80's Fiats, but can't see the logic with the FIRE engined Panda's.

The water doesn't just go in the engine - a modern version won't have the same radiator, heater matrix, hoses & gaskets. Although it's the same basic engine it probably won't still be using exactly the same grade of materials inside the engine as my 1986 FIRE one did either, though it might of course!

No-one has a definitive answer but to be safe I follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

And I don't like the idea of waterless either whatever they claim about it......

 

[bluejohn125]

All classic 80's 90s Fiats... Comma XStream G48.

Ethylene Glycol based, "blue", service life 2-3 years.

Or equivalent quality product...

But Not Red..

 

[panda panda]

All classic 80's 90s Fiats... Comma XStream G48.

Ethylene Glycol based, "blue", service life 2-3 years.

Or equivalent quality product...

But Not Red..

Blurb mentions German cars, how about Italian ones?

That's coming up at £6 per litre. As is Halfrauds own brand



This stuff is pricey. hopefully someone will have it on 2 for 3

OR

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTOCHEM-...le_Oils_Lubricants_Fluids&hash=item5898837612

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Blurb mentions German cars, how about Italian ones?

That's coming up at £6 per litre. As is Halfrauds own brand

This stuff is pricey. hopefully someone will have it on 2 for 3

Get 5L halfords stuff works out cheaper

And even cheaper again with a trade card :devil:

 

[panda panda]

Get 5L halfords stuff works out cheaper

And even cheaper again with a trade card :devil:

cheaper than this @ £11.99 for 5 litres delivered

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

cheaper than this @ £11.99 for 5 litres delivered

Works out cheaper even full price per year, that stuff only has a 2 year life, halfords red 3/4

And that stuff looks nasty

 

[panda panda]

I'm split between going red or staying blue now.

I feel like a floating voter in a polling station,

Didn't there used to be a green option?

 

[panda1408]

Anything you put in it will be better than it has now, don't go near Halfords unless you have a trade card, find a proper motor factors instead, should work out alot cheaper.

The Comma XStream G48 is actually green in colour, the same as normal blue stuff as far as I know though.

Blue is recommended but red is just as compatible imo, if it wasn't I would have two Pandas with no coolant and a big puddle on the floor. Anything you put in it will be better than it has now.

Have you checked to see what colour is actually is at the moment?