A couple of questions about coolant in the H6

[patrickbateman]

Searched for a thread about this but couldn't find anything directly on point.

Checking fluids the other day I noticed that the coolant level in the overflow tank was pretty much zero when the engine was cold. There was coolant in the radiator and hoses. After going for a 15 minute drive, there was still very little in the overflow tank (as you know it's bloody hard to see to the bottom of the tank due to the stepped shape).

Car was serviced a couple of thousand kms ago by S&J in Adelaide so I assume levels were correct after that. No warning lights or performance problems, heaters working fine, etc.

Questions:

1. Is it normal for the coolant overflow tank to be empty (or close to empty) when the car is cold?

2. Is it normal for it to be mostly empty when the car has warmed up?

3. Should I top up just to be safe (and to see if I'm losing coolant)?

4. If yes to #3, what coolant should I use and is it safe to mix new coolant with old coolant?

5. There were some crystals evident inside the overflow tank, I gather this is fairly normal for coolant?

I should mention that it's been bloody cold here which might affect things a bit.

[piercey]

Hi mate, iv got the same issue, will be topping mine up asap but all is running smoothly at the moment.

1, after reading the manual, fluids in both compartments should be filled up to the correct level, so therefore the overflow tank should be topped up.

2, once again should fill it up

3, If you are going to top it up, make sure its the same type of coolent, the manual didnt tell me what type so any help would be appreciated!

4, as said above, topping up is fine

5, iv got the same thing so i assume its just residue left over from the coolend itself!

im in the same boat but hope that kinda helped haha

[patrickbateman]

Thanks - on the mixing coolant thing, I did a bit of reading and it sounds like unless you are using the exact same brand it's a very bad idea. Worst case scenario, mixing two different types can lead to a sort of gel forming which can royally fark your cooling system.

[Out6ack]

Sounds like a good opportunity to get to know your car a little better!
Personally in this situation I would top up the levels with normal tap water *(Tap water isnt recommended in alloy motors but it won't be in there for long.)
So, with a stone cold engine, and preferably the car parked nose uphill, remove radiator cap and fill to the brim with water, replace cap, then fill exchange tank to top line. The 2 lines on the exchange tank are 'FULL' and 'LOW', not hot and cold.
Now take it to a pre-booked appointment at a radiator specialist for a pressure test. If leaking, either fix it yourself or get em fixed. Don't scrimp on your engine's cooling system -best to replace hoses and thermostats etc if you're uncertain of their age and/or condition. Obviously ask at radiator place for (hopefully) an honest opinion, but changing out hoses etc is very very easy DIY if ur even half competant. When no leaks and system all good, replace coolant in system with the same colour, in a good brand. Then you KNOW exactly the age and condition of everything. Run heater on full for a while, constantly checking coolant levels over the next few days/week.
Sound like ur doing your research, so it's all quite easy. The small breather hole in your thermo will need to be aligned a certain way. As with everything, research this first.
Good luck!

Jay.

[alexeiwoody]

Check for coolant leaks under the car.

Top up your overflow tank.

Just use distilled water, you don't need to worry about what type of coolant you have yet.

Now if you want to go for the full comprehensive job - use a coolant flush, put in new coolant mix with distilled water and make sure you run the car until all air has been purged from the system.

If you're losing coolant without any leaks...you could have a serious problem on your hands.

[Tradewind]

Definitely get that coolant topped up to the FULL mark

The distiller water is safe bet and given only a tiny amount may be drawn into the cooling system means dilution of coolant is of no concern

[Brunsy3.0]

Whats the result of not using distilled water? Potential rusting of welsh plug?

[WIDELOAD]

It's more the corrosion due to the impurities in tap water reacting with the alloy motor. Eats it up pretty good.

[Brunsy3.0]

Take long to cause damage usually? I had my coolant changed some 10,000kms ago and pretty sure the mechanic used plain old tap water. Should I be flushing the system and distilling it this time?

[WIDELOAD]

Take long to cause damage usually? I had my coolant changed some 10,000kms ago and pretty sure the mechanic used plain old tap water. Should I be flushing the system and distilling it this time?

Not sure on time frame. Guess it would vary on how hard or soft the tap water in the area is.