17 replies to this topic

[Matty2012]

What type of antifreeze do I need for a classic mini? What’s the difference between red and blue when using a standard mini radiator.

What is a good tyre pressures to use also?

Thanks again

[sonikk4]

I have moved this to the correct section.

[gazza82]

Blue ... but the colour isn't the issue.

It must be Glycol based .. and that comes in mainly blue but other colours (green, etc).

I buy the concentrated variety and mix it with de-ionised water .. but then I'm in a hard water area, but it prevents furring up.

Edited by gazza82, 04 October 2022 - 06:51 PM.

[croc7]

29 PSI front/27 rear works for me

[MikeRotherham]

On my 1994 I use Bluecol 50/50 (distilled water) strength.

 

Later MPi models used an OAT type of antifreeze.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 05 October 2022 - 06:38 AM.

[Ethel]

There are universal antifreezes now.  The issue is the OAT, long life stuff corroded solder & components with copper.

 

I'm guessing the car is new to you if you're asking, so give it a good flush through. A good way is to remove the bottom hose from the radiator. Then the heater hose from the head and hook up a garden hose to each open end while blocking the other - beware of staining the drive!

[DUF2]

I am now confused about antifreeze

I have looked for Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze and have seen some listed as OAT and even HOAT.

Can I use OAT or HOAT antifreeze safely in my A series engine ‘65 Elf?

Am I correct in thinking the modern type antifreeze is not compatible with my 1965 copper tanked heater Matrix?

[gazza82]

I am now confused about antifreeze
I have looked for Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze and have seen some listed as OAT and even HOAT.
Can I use OAT or HOAT antifreeze safely in my A series engine ‘65 Elf?
Am I correct in thinking the modern type antifreeze is not compatible with my 1965 copper tanked heater Matrix?

OAT is a completely different chemical base to Ethylene Glycol so can't see how the two can be compared.

[MikeRotherham]

All my minis and metros with A series engines came with Bluecol antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) from the factory so that's what I still use now.

 

Originally made by Smiths Industries but now made by Tetrosyl.

 

As I understand it the MPi minis needed to use an OAT based antifreeze because of the different metals in the cooling system.

 

The colour of antifreeze varies so can't be used as a guide and just causes confusion in my opinion.

 

If you've got a standard cooling system pick an ethylene glycol based antifreeze.

 

Both types can't be mixed.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 08 October 2022 - 08:24 AM.

[Ethel]

if you don't know what's in it, you likely also don't know how long it's been in there.

 

OAT (organic acid) is likely unsafe to use, IAT (inorganic acids) are the copper compatible corrosion inhibitors. H-OAT stands for hybrid (a bit of both is used to get the advantages of both) & should be safe. The whole, confusing, mess is down to looking for increased service life, that won't apply as well to your car as it doesn't have a "lossless" big plastic header tank.

 

It's still worth doing a little research if you opt for a long life 'freeze over a 2 year "Bluecol" equivalent.

[DUF2]

This is all very confusing, to me!

some antifreezes I have looked at don’t even state what is in them!

I have re read the info on some of the newer OAT & HOAT products and it says “intended for……for which the use of mono-ethylene-glycol based antifreeze is recommended.”

So is this stuff suitable for my car? It has a 1989 A+ engine, has a recent new water pump and radiator, new hoses. The only old part in the cooling system is the original ‘65 heater matrix, this has been flushed and better flushed whilst the heater was removed for re furbisment.

The cooling system has been flushed and better flushed to remove any crap from the block, the car is running 100% water at the moment but need some antifreeze before winter.

This particular product would appear to be suitable having read the words, I would just like some assurance that it will not cause any problems with the system on my car.

I am thinking modern antifreezes should be less harmful than the older stuff, but I don’t want to spring a leak on the heater matrix.

 

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[Ethel]

Their website suggests it is. Though they also do a blue IAT one

 

https://www.mannol.d...ze-and-coolants

[gazza82]

Personally I'm sceptical of Amazon, ebay, etc as some suppliers just want to shift their products.

I'd stick with good old ethanol glycol from somewhere like carpart4less .. which is ECP .. or Halfords especially if you have an old heater matrix.

[PoolGuy]

You won't go wrong with Bluecol BLA005 Antifreeze.

 

[imack]

I use Suzuki's ethanol glycol premixed 'super coolant' (blue) in my 72 mini - A series, alloy rad, soldered copper heater matrix.

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Edited by imack, 08 October 2022 - 03:41 PM.