What type of antifreeze have you got in at present?

[Martec]

Hi all.

http://www.rrbew.co.uk/FeatureHtms/F-Antifreeze.htm

The above article on the Rolls Royce forum talks about the resent change over by manufactures of antifreeze from IAT to OAT. The latter may not be suitable for our older cars.

I have checked on my stocks and found that prior to 2007 I was using diluted Ethlene Glycol (Comma) and am now using OAT new 5 year antifreeze (Comma).

Not all the jacket water leaks I have experienced over the years are due to this change, but the MkII has been on OAT since 2007 and I have a persistent leak near the water pump and minor leaks on another engine I built in 2008.

In a nut shell a RR forum contributor had wet liner leaks into his sump that destroyed the bearings when he changed over from IAT to OAT antifreeze.

I have contacted Rosy Pugh of the FBHVC who is looking into it. I believe my cars are leaking due to this antifreeze, but I use hylomar to seal my gaskets which is an old fashioned sealant that hopefully is a defence against this POTENTIAL problem.

The article is worth a read.

Brian

[stuarthardy]

Hi Brian

Nice tip this. Sharing this sort of information is what being a club member is all about.

Thank you.

Regards
Stuart

[sweller]

I have a sneaking feeling that this is on a par with email warnings that you must send to all your contacts - it reads in a rather hysterical manner and the article is two years old. Surely if it is a problem it would be common knowledge by now?

I've consistently used Comma (because it's the cheapest available at the motor factors at the end of the road) without problem in 25+ y/o cars.

The datasheet doesn't make a distinction between OAT and IAT (or I missed it):
http://www.commaoil.com/productsguide/f ... ce9cf31387

Is this something to get worked up about? Especially even since my first Triumph Herald banger (it would now be 45 years old) I've known antifreeze will soon find any poor joints in the system.

Simon

[Martec]

Hi All,

Further to my initial post I contacted Rosy Pugh at FBHVC, They have researched this and come back with the following article in the FBHVC newsletter and on the website.

http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/

Yes there is substance to the problem with modern 5year antifreeze used in 'historic vehicles'. I have had minor leakage problems in all 3 of our old cars, MkII, Porsche and Morris, but nothing major. just something else to be aware of and keep an eye on!!!!!

Brian

[Martec]

Further to the leaks from OAT antifreeze.

As the rally season is about to start and one starts form RAF Cranwell where we must guard against leaks onto their prized surfaces, I decided to reread the FHBVC notice and found 'Bluecol' antifreeze locally. £18 for 6 ltrs (cheaper than online).

Three static flushes and one after running the car for 5 minutes on clean water, the car was refilled with a 50% charge of 'Bluecol'.

I gave the car a run of about 1 hour (I'd forgotten how nice and powerful the cars is to drive) and next morning (it mostly leaked when cold) the thermostat cover leak had stopped and the only other leaks were of 'Orange' fluid (so much for a total flush). Over 3 days the leaks have almost disappeared. None this morning.

I am pleased with the results for a nominal outlay of cash and time.

Brian

[smiffy]

Hi Brian
I had also put 'modern' antifreeze in my 2.4L car. It developed a persistent drip from the radiator drain tap, and a squeal from the front of the engine (water pump bearing??). Having read the posts above, I changed to Comma blue antifreeze a couple of weeks ago - the leak has stopped and the squeal has gone away.
Best wishes, David