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The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
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25-06-2011, 09:31 PM | #1 | ||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Hi everyone,
I'm no mechanical expert when it comes to cars so where better than this forum to ask for some advice. I got my car serviced at a well known dealer today and specified a coolant flush. When picking my car up, I was told that sometimes there can be 'air pockets' and for me to check my coolant level and if it has dropped, to top up with distilled water. Does this sound right? Wouldn't part of the coolant flush procedure involve bleeding out any air pockets? Sure enough, I just went out to check my reservoir and there's hardly any coolant in there. To tell you the truth, the reservoir doesn't look any different to before today's coolant flush. Should I top it up with distilled water?
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The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 09:35 PM | #2 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,730
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I'm no mechanic either but I had a coolant flush last year and there was definitely no 'topping up' required the next day. That being said, if they didn't run the heater when filling up the car, I'm fairly sure that would explain the empty reservoir. I would just add some water until the reservoir is full.
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25-06-2011, 09:40 PM | #3 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
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The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 09:54 PM | #4 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,692
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What we used to do at Honda was flush out the system, then cut up a 600ml coke bottle in half and open up the radiator cap and put the lid side down inside the hole. run the car and top it up as the level goes down/up bleeding out the air.
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25-06-2011, 09:59 PM | #5 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 10:13 PM | #6 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,692
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Quote:
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25-06-2011, 10:18 PM | #7 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 10:25 PM | #8 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,598
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The fact that the mechanic said to fill with distilled water indicates that he used coolant concentrate of the correct quantity, then topped up with distilled water. The reservoir normally gets stained by the old coolant so wont clean up unless the mechanic takes it out and cleans the inside of the reservoir by some means (can be difficult). Flushing wont clean it.
Accurate coolant level checks are done when cold, with the car on a level surface. When filling with the new coolant after a flush, some cars are notorious for air pockets remaining, others are not. Some have bleeder screws to enable air pockets to be bled out (eg. VL Commodore I6). The Falcons I have had haven't needed to be bled, but small pockets do normally remain so I check the next day or so and top up until it stabilised. When the coolant warms up, the coolant level in the reservoir is normally higher because of expansion of the coolant as it heats up. So the mechanic cannot accurately recheck the level until its cooled down again (also that the reservoir pressure cap needs to be depressurized if hot). Sometimes it takes a few heat-cool cycles before the level stabilises. Thats why a good mechanic makes the owner aware to check the level after the service. Looking at eb2montys last post where it was mentioned that the service sheet stated the coolant was "drained and refilled", somehow I doubt they actually did a flush, only opened the draincock to drain out the old coolant, then refilled. Thats why I do that job myself so I know its done properly. I would query what they actually did. Cheers. Last edited by Silver Ghia; 25-06-2011 at 10:33 PM. |
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25-06-2011, 10:30 PM | #9 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
So do I need to do anything other than fill with distilled water and monitor the level? I just want to avoid any corrosion down the track.
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The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 10:39 PM | #10 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
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The last paragraph in my previous post, I have added to query what they have done with regard to a flush.
The concentrate quantity added was hopefully the correct amount so that when completely full (ie without air pockets and the reservoir at the correct level), the correct coolant % concentration will be there. When there are coolant leaks or loss of coolant, is when the coolant will start to dilute too much, when distilled water only is added. |
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25-06-2011, 10:45 PM | #11 | ||
Flairs - Truckers Delight
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Brisbane Northside Likes: Opposite Lock
Posts: 5,731
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$195?
geez was it green? then it was fine.
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25-06-2011, 10:49 PM | #12 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 10:57 PM | #13 | ||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
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Should be the right colour when its mixed with what's there. Seeing the reservoir internal surface is not clean, i suggest you have a look at the coolant down in the reservoir opening when cold, to see what colour it is, and whether its a clean colour, or a not so clean colour which may indicate an insufficient flush.
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25-06-2011, 11:01 PM | #14 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
He he, I'm doing my best to at least keep Ford Service Centres in business.
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The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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25-06-2011, 11:03 PM | #15 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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26-06-2011, 11:29 AM | #16 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,692
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Just to note, we never used distilled water for anything at our dealership.
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26-06-2011, 11:45 AM | #17 | ||||
Performance Inc.
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Quote:
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26-06-2011, 12:15 PM | #18 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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26-06-2011, 12:16 PM | #19 | |||
Blue Blood
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SA
Posts: 1,507
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Quote:
__________________
The Fleet 1999 AU XR8 4sp adaptive shift, Black, Momo T-bar and S/wheel, Bodykit, 17" wheels, Sunroof - 180Ks - THE DAILY 1995 EF XR8 Manual Heritage Green, Factory Bodykit and FTRs - 126Ks 1986 XF Fairmont Ghia 4.1L EFI Regency Red, trip computer, venetians - 163Ks 1979 P6 LTD 351, Goldust - 185Ks 1989 Mazda MX5, Red 1.6L, 5sp manual - 102Ks |
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26-06-2011, 12:28 PM | #20 | ||||
Performance Inc.
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Quote:
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In The Garage... FPV Super Pursuit Build no 0080/91 Lotus Exige S/C S240 Kart Hasse Chassis 100J Power Quote:
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26-06-2011, 12:51 PM | #21 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
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i use and recomend distilled..... |
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26-06-2011, 01:06 PM | #22 | |||
Where to next??
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
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Quote:
You can buy it from coles / woolies in the cleaning section for around $1 a litre. When I got someone else to do a flush I left 5 litres with them to ensure it was used. |
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26-06-2011, 02:44 PM | #23 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
Posts: 12,025
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he may just be being cautious, theres no gaurantee to get every last ounce of air out, and different cars have different procedures for getting air out, one of my cars years ago you had to remove the heater hose at it highest end and let it bleed through, and you still had to check it the next day.
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26-06-2011, 02:49 PM | #24 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
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26-06-2011, 07:20 PM | #25 | |||
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2011
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I suppose one concern is whether the flush was done or not, and if they couldnt bleed the system properly and the level to be down so quickly whether they did the actual flush properly. In regards to distilled water, no harm in it other than the dent in your wallet. If the water looks clean and has no taste, then it will be fine in a motor. There will be far more rubbish polluting stuff from within the motor and radiator to be worried about trace elements in drinking water, though if you are topping it up with tap water every day those trace elements can build up, just like in your eleccy kettle etc. |
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27-06-2011, 03:02 PM | #26 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Melb north
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one thing to remember, coolant has a limited life, specifically corrosion inhibitors(hence the use by date), from the moment you add coolant to the system inhibitors are fighting corrosion/chemical reaction, adding more impurities will shorten the life of the inhibitors and cooling system protection.
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28-06-2011, 08:55 AM | #27 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Botany, Sydney
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To clean a cooling system completely with no danger of harming anything see the link below to Liquid Intelligence 115 Pty Ltd (high temp coolant)
Liquid Intelligence 239 radiator cleaner, (a division of Mainlube) http://www.liquidintelligence115.com...TELLIGENCE_239 Cheers Steve
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28-06-2011, 09:13 AM | #28 | ||
Flairs - Truckers Delight
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I've seen cabs run for 800,000klms that have:
* never had a coolant flush * used the cheapest coolant * had it mixed pretty thin * run at operating temperature 23 hours a day * only have a coolant change when they bust a hose So anyone who pays $195 for a coolant flush is someone with SUCKER written on their forehead - especially if you've got a car that's over a decade old!
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28-06-2011, 09:36 AM | #29 | |||
Giddy up.
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28-06-2011, 09:46 AM | #30 | |||
Banned
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According to my M Benz manual they use a long life coolant good for 15 years or 250,000 km's, I phoned Honda about my wife's Civic and their long life coolant is good for 10 years, yet the coolant in my GT-P is good for 2 years. Now call me a cynic but there appears to be an obvious reason why Ford stick with standard life green coolant !! Why not get some of the cool stuff M Benz use in their vehicles and run that in my GT-P, they're both all alloy engines, thoughts anyone ?? |
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