Hi, I'm changing the antifreeze tomorrow. Do I use red or green flavour? The Agip product is apparently blue but I figure red or green will do just as well as the pair of them are good for almost all cars. Perhaps it doesn't matter which colour I use as I'm draining and replacing all the water. Also, my manual says 24liters of total fluid but the info on Superformance says 15l !! Which is it? Thanks
personal recommendation is to use the same stuff Mercedes uses. it's an awesome fluid with a lot of great protection. it's rated for the average 3-5 years usage before advising for another flush/drain-fill. it is compatible with leftover green coolant, it will not gel. I put it into another of my classic cars and it's been great! aint expensive either. as for the fluid content, just keep topping off the reservoir half coolant, then some more distilled water (ONLY distilled for best life). and eventually after you keep pouring in, you'll get there where the car is topped off. total content is 24, but you will only likely be able to fill 15 with how much may be trapped inside different folds of the system.
I use the one from BMW as it says something like non phosphorus. I've been using this for about 8 years now with good result. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The color does not really matter. The type of coolant matters. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) should not be used for cars older then '90. You should use the old Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) unless you place new head gaskets
not to doubt your wisdom on this subject, but to these cars have a special compound on the HG that would be an issue? what's the reasoning behind not using something like the newer bmw or MB alternatives?
The additives used in OAT can compromise vehicles with copper/brass systems. The Mondial has copper radiators. The compound of rubber is simply different of the "old" coolant hoses. Throwing in the OAT variant the decay of these hoses will accelerate. The same is with the head gaskets. Unless you renew these (not using new old stock). It's like rubber fuel tubes. The old rubber cannot withstand the new petrol formulas, whereas the new rubber can. That's why I always make a strong suggestion to replace old rubber then you are at least safe for todays liquids/fuels. One other thing is that you cannot get all the old coolant out without doing a lot of work. Mixing OAT with other coolants is definitely asking for trouble. A good question would be. What is in my system now. Usually a classic coolant. Then stick with it If you do not know what's in it it is best to flush the whole system and take still a classic coolant for your classic car for the radiator, hoses and gasket's sake. Universal Coolants
Comments about wet liners and cavitation corrosion that the new, non-nitrate containing antifreezes that are long lasting products? Does this apply to all Mondials?
This is the first I have heard of modern Mercedes or BMW coolants being a problem for our Mondials. On my further research it does appear that two acid compounds in the HOAT and OAT's (which I think the BMW and Mercedes are both ethylene glycol based HOAT's and Mercedes does indeed contain these acid compounds, not sure about BMW), are plasticizers that affect nylon and silicon, and therefore might degrade head gaskets and such. This head gasket failure was the basis for lawsuits against GM and the use of Dexcool some years ago. However, as for hoses, the following is an extract from a Hemmings article: "The use of OAT and HOAT coolants can extend the life of rubber coolant hoses, because they conduct less electrochemical degradation or ECD than the conventional green antifreeze. ECD is the process by which the motion of coolant and water through your engine creates an electrical charge similar to a galvanic battery. This electrical charge degrades both rubber and metal parts in the cooling system from the inside out. ECD can be attributed as the cause of many premature coolant system failures." I have used the Mercedes fluid for 10 years on my Mondial. Makes me wonder if I should change back to the old green IAT fluid, or if my car has withstood the compounds this long I may be ok and benefit from a longer change interval and hose related outcome if Hemming's is correct. Thoughts?
I think if your coolant stays the right color in such amount of years and no filth comes out when changing it I would stick with it now. But I do always say to people when having a 30 year old car to consider to change the coolant hoses and rubber fuel lines. It really depends on the condition of the coolant hoses. If they are already in decay it is just a matter of time (sooner) if you throw in a modern coolant. The old coolant stays behind in the decayed rubber and mixes with the new. If you have a new hose, or if it is not in decay, the surface is flat and all gets out relatively clean. Bartzagato had a very nice example of it. It is the worst I have ever seen. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ8ZaFe9yk0[/ame]
