--Rebel-- · Nov 7, 2017

Hi all,
Went to drain the coolant and refill with antifreeze on our series 2a earlier today. It's fitted with a 200 TDI and next to the radiator, there's what looks like an intercooler. There's a sticker on it that states " genuine Land Rover antifreeze, do not drain ). Am I being naive by taken any notice of this, should I just ignore it and drain the radiator as normal ?
If I do drain the radiator, will it also drain the intercooler or will I have to drain that separately?

Marmaduke · Nov 7, 2017

There's only air in the intercooler, and drain away

Disco1BFG · Nov 7, 2017

As above - hopefully only air and a tiny bit of oil in the IC...

Think you might find the sticker has only historical significance, nothing more

(use a decent quality antifreeze of the correct type, at the correct strength - a search on here will answer this question ......)

--Rebel-- · Nov 8, 2017

Great, thanks guys

wattfield · Nov 8, 2017

And don't spill it, it poisons cats!

--Rebel-- · Nov 8, 2017

Not a cat person!
Do have a dog though, so any spillage will be hosed away

wattfield · Nov 8, 2017

--Rebel-- said:
Not a cat person!
Do have a dog though, so any spillage will be hosed away

I'm both. We lost two of our cats on the same day to antifreeze poisoning as few years ago. The vet said they expect several cases every year.

Kwakerman · Nov 8, 2017

--Rebel-- said:
Hi all,
Went to drain the coolant and refill with antifreeze on our series 2a earlier today. It's fitted with a 200 TDI and next to the radiator, there's what looks like an intercooler. There's a sticker on it that states " genuine Land Rover antifreeze, do not drain ). Am I being naive by taken any notice of this, should I just ignore it and drain the radiator as normal ?
If I do drain the radiator, will it also drain the intercooler or will I have to drain that separately?

Make sure you use the correct spec antifreeze, don't just buy the new(ish) red/pink stuff thinking because it is new (and 5 year life) that it is better than the old (generally blue) 2 year stuff. You need to use the old spec stuff as the components in you cooling system can actually be damaged over time by the red (due to the metals used). Lots of info on the net if you search. Basically use what it was designed to use, in this case new doesn't equal better.

--Rebel-- · Nov 9, 2017

All useful info. Thanks

Colthebrummie · Nov 9, 2017

Kwakerman said:
Make sure you use the correct spec antifreeze, don't just buy the new(ish) red/pink stuff thinking because it is new (and 5 year life) that it is better than the old (generally blue) 2 year stuff. You need to use the old spec stuff as the components in you cooling system can actually be damaged over time by the red (due to the metals used). Lots of info on the net if you search. Basically use what it was designed to use, in this case new doesn't equal better.

What! I've just replaced my coolant for the reddish stuff. It said OAT on the container so that is what I bought. How long before my engine disintegrates?

Col

David_Cooper · Nov 9, 2017

The red (OAT) antifreeze did used to contain stuff that wasn't suitable for materials in old engines, but that was when it first came out (mid 90s?) and was quickly changed so it could be used without worry.
The problem comes when people try to mix the OAT with older ethylene glycol- doing that will turn your coolant into brown sludge!
If you have a dry, freshly built system, use whatever antifreeze you wish. If you're topping up, keep to the same type.

Colthebrummie · Nov 9, 2017

Phew, thanks for that.

Col

Kwakerman · Nov 9, 2017

Colthebrummie said:
Phew, thanks for that.

Col

I would suggest that you do a google search (something like 'using OAT antifreeze in old engines') or go to one of the manufacturers websites (Comma for instance) and look at the FAQ's and make your own decision. There is probably a lot or arse covering but they do seem to suggest sticking with what the vehicle was designed for. Ultimately your vehicle your choice, my personal preference is to stick with old stuff and change it every two years but then again who is to say I'm correct?

Colthebrummie · Nov 10, 2017

The neck of the expansion tank said use OAT so that is what I bought. I did notice when in EuroCarParts that there were two OAT types for sale, a reddish one and a purple looking one. Both said OAT on the container. It's becoming a bit of a nightmare trying to remember different grade of antifreeze, brake fluid, tranny oil and so on. I'll have start carrying the manual around with me.

Col

Kwakerman · Nov 10, 2017

If it says use OAT then you will be fine, mine is old enough to know its not OAT!

anatomick · Nov 29, 2017

Oh Good Grief! That's something I hadn't even thought about and is now something new worry about! Mine is a 2003 TD5 which, as far as I know, has never had the anti-freeze changed and I spend the winters in the Alps which can get seriously cold. I'd seen the sticker saying "do not drain" and thought nothing more about it. Ooops. Do I need to change it

?

Kwakerman · Nov 29, 2017

OAT is generally good for 5 years and the old stuff 2 years, it is generally the corrosion inhibitors that degrade over time. If it is older than 5 years then apart from the cost there is no downside to replacing it.

--Rebel--

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--Rebel--

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