Anti-freeze

Im changing the thermostat and water pump just wondering if blue ant- freeze is ok or does it have to be red or green

300td1 said:

Im changing the thermostat and water pump just wondering if blue ant- freeze is ok or does it have to be red or green

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Use an ethylene glycol based anti-freeze (containing no methanol). There is an opinion that using the red/pink long life antifreeze in a 200/300tdi is a big no no. I have not found this to be the case. My Defender 300tdi has covered the last 100,000 miles using red (organic acid type) without issue. I continue to use red because of its superior long life performance (5 years / 100,000 miles).

Types:

RED = Ethylene glycol based antifreeze & coolant with OAT (Organic Acid Technology) inhibitors

GREEN = Ethylene glycol based antifreeze

BLUE = Monoethylene Glycol based antifreeze


I think the important rules are:

# Don't mix colours & if changing colours thoroughly flush system.

# Drain & change antifreeze at the recommended frequency.

I've read that red OAT is not recommended for copper or brass rads only aluminium, the red stuff rots brass rads over time, it might not say that on the bottle though, but will in the more detailed specs.

KiwiTDI said:

I've read that red OAT is not recommended for copper or brass rads only aluminium, the red stuff rots brass rads over time, it might not say that on the bottle though, but will in the more detailed specs.

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What something like this:
"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, especially the lead solder used in them. It depends on the formula".

The author also appears to be unsure and has a "get out" which I've high lighted.

I'm also using OAT and for the last 8 years, the 5 year replacement of the stuff sold it for me.

Your free to do as u wish, go with what u have read and stay with the Rovers green-yellowish antfreeze and replace every two years.

KiwiTDI said:

I've read that red OAT is not recommended for copper or brass rads only aluminium, the red stuff rots brass rads over time, it might not say that on the bottle though, but will in the more detailed specs.

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Could be - I've read various 2nd hand horror stories about the use of red in older cars (see dedicated thread on difflock forum) but my rad & cooling/heating system has had red OAT antifreeze pumped around it for the last ten years & hasn't sprung a leak; I'm yet to find anyone who has experienced issues with OAT antifreeze first hand - my local independent Land Rover mechanic has always used the red stuff on customers 200/300tdi's without issue. I'll keep using it, & if my 12 year old rad does start to leak I will put it down to old age.

Here's a maker who says don't use his "formula" of OAT with brass/copper rads.

Red Long Life Concentrated Coolant- Nulon Australia

In my opinion stick to green unless the OAT is said to be Definitely ok with copper/brass rads.

I blame the nulon for wrecking my copper rad on my surf inside 3 months my fault I know but the bottle just said use it on newer cars nothing about Not using it with copper rads.