Forum:
Hi all,
Changed my TDX's rad a couple of weeks back, and have run it through on water only to get the air locks out. That done I'd like to stick more antifreeze in it. The stuff I got out was pink. What's the difference between the colours and which should I really be putting back in?
Thanks!
Why have you got air locks?
Why have you got air locks? these vehicles are not prone to them.
Ensure the heater in the vehicle is set to the hot position prior to starting as this may cause air locks if it set to the cold position.
Any traditional anti-freeze will be fine, if you have been running on pure water you will have internal corrosion. Drain the water by removing the bottom radiator hose, fill with clean water and run the vehicle up to temperature. Drain the water by removing the bottom hose, being careful not to get scalded. If this comes out clear then fine, if not then repeat these steps until the drained water is clean.
Remove as many hoses as possible and flush through with a hosepipe, ensuring you flush through the heater matrix.
Replace the bottom hose and add half the cooling systems capacity of anti-freeze, then top up with water. This will ensure you have a clean cooling system, and the correct 50% mix of anti-freeze.
This will prevent any internal corrosion from reoccuring, and all you have to do is change it every two years for maximum benefit.
Avoid using the long life anti-freeze as this has been linked to gasket and seal corrosion in older vehicles. The long life stuff lasts 4-5 years.
I changed the radiator....
Hi Assassin,
I changed the radiator, so bound to get an airlock somewhere! (learnt my lessons with heaters and air locks years ago). That's no worries, all sorted and water level is nice and stable. Just the anti-freeze I need in it now. It's only been running on water for a few days so just need to drain some off and add the anti-freeze.
Thanks for the info, will go and pick some up after work and get it in there.
Chops