Which anitfreeze?
 

I've received my new radiator in the mail, when my step dad asked "What kind of antifreeze does it take"?

Come to find out, some cars take a special kind , called Pretek or something like that..

I wanted to know what most use, before I put the new radiator in.




Deja

there are probably opinions on this like oil & filter brands, but I think the most important thing is to make sure the label makes the statement that the product is silicate free. Normally this means use the orange/brown stuff, not the green liquid.

Lee

What is the problem with silicate? Thanks

Earl, the Toyota people told me (back when I owned a MR2) to imagine tiny bits of sand floating around. Here's what the Automotive Service Association has to say:

A lot has been written about the role of silicates in antifreeze. Yes, they do help prevent corrosion of the internal aluminum components that are increasingly used in engines. But they also tend to drop out of solution to form solids. As a solid, they can clog the system or damage components such as water pump seals.

I have no idea what Subaru has to say on the issue, I was simply thinking of what a pain it is to change out the pump on the SVX.

BTW, some European car makers recommend phosphate free antifreeze, but I understand that's because of the minerals in their water - they get the same sort of problem with phosphates forming hard particles and dropping out of solution.

Be careful with your choice
 

many newer vehicles use coolant type called "OAT" which stands for organic acid technology. This type is very corrosive to the solder used in sealing mainly older radiators.

Refer to your manual for the correct type, replace it at the correct intervals and you'll be fine.

Todd

Todd's reply is better advice than mine.

Thanks :)