[1.8] Current Coolant Type Consensus

JefferiesFarnol · 16th April 2022, 16:41

I'm planning to do a full coolant flush and change this weekend along with replacing a leaking pipe. I have bought red OAT coolant recommended in the Hayne's manual, but after reading an old thread on the subject, it seems some believe that the OAT additives can damage the seals and gaskets. Is this still the consensus? Should I swap the red for the blue to be safe? I also wonder if after 19 years of red, will changing to blue now make any difference?

stevestrat · 16th April 2022, 17:09

There are actually three opinions: OAT at recommended 50% concentration, OAT at lower 25-30% concentration, blue.

If you do change to blue you need to ensure every drop of red is out.

Yorkshire GOC · 16th April 2022, 17:12

For me bluecoll - the only reason MGR went for OAT was to supply the company car fleets as it only needs changing every 5 years - while Blue needs changing every 2 years.

I am with Marinabrian on this one.

JefferiesFarnol · 16th April 2022, 18:10

Thanks for the information, I'm more inclined to change to blue as I feel if I put the red back in, I'll forever be thinking 'what if?' Maybe I can get some from a petrol station tomorrow or wait until Monday.

trikey · 16th April 2022, 18:11

Blue in all of mine too 👍👍

SD1too · 16th April 2022, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by JefferiesFarnol

it seems some believe that the OAT additives can damage the seals and gaskets. Is this still the consensus? Should I swap the red for the blue to be safe? I also wonder if after 19 years of red, will changing to blue now make any difference?

Well I think you've answered your own question Hector in your last sentence.

Most recently we read scare stories about E10 petrol damaging seals and gaskets. When 4 star disappeared, unleaded was the demon. OAT is another "new kid on the block" to be feared.

Can you see a pattern here?

I think it's now widely accepted that the 1.8 engine's head gasket failure record has nothing to do with the type of antifreeze used.

Simon

JefferiesFarnol · 17th April 2022, 15:06

Update:

I decided to just go with the OAT since I've got it, but having drained the system and flushed the radiator, I went to flush the engine and had to take out the thermostat (what a pain that was) but on taking the housing apart to have a look, it seems that there is no thermostat there at all! Here are some pictures:

It looks to me like somebody has taken out the mechanism and put the surrounding back. I doubt I'll be able to get one tomorrow so it looks like I'll have to drive the Micra again next week.

bsafly · 17th April 2022, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by JefferiesFarnol

Update:

I decided to just go with the OAT since I've got it, but having drained the system and flushed the radiator, I went to flush the engine and had to take out the thermostat (what a pain that was) but on taking the housing apart to have a look, it seems that there is no thermostat there at all! Here are some pictures:

It looks to me like somebody has taken out the mechanism and put the surrounding back. I doubt I'll be able to get one tomorrow so it looks like I'll have to drive the Micra again next week.

Have you checked to see if your car has a PRT fitted, if it has then it will have a ‘dummy’ thermostat fitted as in the pictures.

JefferiesFarnol · 17th April 2022, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsafly

Have you checked to see if your car has a PRT fitted, if it has then it will have a ‘dummy’ thermostat fitted as in the pictures.

Ah, that makes a lot of sense, yes, it has a PRT! Now I feel like the dummy! Thanks!

rrobson · 18th April 2022, 10:03

You’d know if it didn’t have a stat fitted, it’d take ages to warm up. Sometimes a thermostat is put in that location as well as the prt and that gives an elevated running temperature. Obviously not an issue for yourself but something worth noting

16th April 2022, 16:41	#1
JefferiesFarnol Avid contributor Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Canterbury Posts: 166 Thanks: 64 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts	[1.8] Current Coolant Type Consensus I'm planning to do a full coolant flush and change this weekend along with replacing a leaking pipe. I have bought red OAT coolant recommended in the Hayne's manual, but after reading an old thread on the subject, it seems some believe that the OAT additives can damage the seals and gaskets. Is this still the consensus? Should I swap the red for the blue to be safe? I also wonder if after 19 years of red, will changing to blue now make any difference?

16th April 2022, 17:09	#2
stevestrat This is my second home ZT260 #243 (resting) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prestonpans Posts: 22,454 Thanks: 650 Thanked 4,624 Times in 3,358 Posts	There are actually three opinions: OAT at recommended 50% concentration, OAT at lower 25-30% concentration, blue. If you do change to blue you need to ensure every drop of red is out. __________________ Steve T4 Location Map

16th April 2022, 17:12	#3
Yorkshire GOC I really should get out more....... Rover 75 connoisseur se v6 auto Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hull Posts: 2,061 Thanks: 1,842 Thanked 623 Times in 469 Posts	For me bluecoll - the only reason MGR went for OAT was to supply the company car fleets as it only needs changing every 5 years - while Blue needs changing every 2 years. I am with Marinabrian on this one. __________________ She came off the Longbridge Line on 20-05-2003 The Silver Machine was the 13th of 160 Rover 75's to come off the production line that day and is the 100th of 527 Starlight Silver Rover 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Auto saloons listed in the build records produced world wide.

16th April 2022, 18:11	#5
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,756 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	Blue in all of mine too 👍👍 __________________ Lest we forget..

18th April 2022, 10:03	#10
rrobson I really should get out more....... 75 tourer cdti, MG ZS 180, nissan terrano & 1.8t rover 25 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pontefract Posts: 2,643 Thanks: 17 Thanked 295 Times in 218 Posts	You’d know if it didn’t have a stat fitted, it’d take ages to warm up. Sometimes a thermostat is put in that location as well as the prt and that gives an elevated running temperature. Obviously not an issue for yourself but something worth noting __________________ How to view a car - everything you need to help you inspect a used car VIS motor tester avalible to local members Injector removal tool and auto gearbox pressure tester now available

16th April 2022, 18:10	#4
JefferiesFarnol Avid contributor Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Canterbury Posts: 166 Thanks: 64 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts	Thanks for the information, I'm more inclined to change to blue as I feel if I put the red back in, I'll forever be thinking 'what if?' Maybe I can get some from a petrol station tomorrow or wait until Monday.

17th April 2022, 15:06	#7
JefferiesFarnol Avid contributor Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Canterbury Posts: 166 Thanks: 64 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts	Update: I decided to just go with the OAT since I've got it, but having drained the system and flushed the radiator, I went to flush the engine and had to take out the thermostat (what a pain that was) but on taking the housing apart to have a look, it seems that there is no thermostat there at all! Here are some pictures: It looks to me like somebody has taken out the mechanism and put the surrounding back. I doubt I'll be able to get one tomorrow so it looks like I'll have to drive the Micra again next week.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode