Cooling system

[Wittsend]

Radiator/cooling system capacity
2 litre petrol or diesel = 17 pints (9.65 litres)
2.25 litre petrol or diesel = 18 pints (10.23 litres)

You will need to add a litre or so more if you have the optional heater fitted.

Series 2 & 3 2.625 litre (6 pot) = 20 pints (11.36 litres)

Series 3 models (4 pot) with the round top radiator (could be retro-fitted to a Series 2)
Petrol = 8.1 litres
Diesel = 7.8 litres

S3 V8 = 22.5 pints (12.78 litres)

Fan belt size for 2.25 engines is 1050mm circumference. (This number will often be included in the manufacturers ref number.)

Antifreeze mixture ratios

25% mix gives protection down to - 11 deg C
33% mix gives protection down to - 17 deg C
40% mix gives protection down to - 23 deg C
45% mix gives protection down to - 29 deg C
50% mix gives protection down to - 35 deg C

(Note: The coldest ever recorded temp in the UK was -27.2 deg C in Scotland and -26.1 deg C in England.)

The minimum mix should be 33% for peace of mind, unless you live in the North or in the mountainous areas of the UK where 50% is recommended.
We recommend you replace the coolant after 2 winters in the vehicle and that you only use coolant mixture to top-up the rad between times. Only use water for the cooling system in an emergency, replace with correct mix ASAP.
Use this mix the year round as it contains inhibitors to stop rust and scaling and lubricants to protect the water pump and hoses.
Dispose of waste antifreeze/coolant responsibly.

[oldun]

  re antifreeze mix, I use the following- COMMA XSTREAM G30 ANTIFREEZE.
 Its a ready mixed antifreeze with the following specs,
 Treated water (to inhibit corrosion) and antifreeze,
 Temp range -35 C to + 45 C,
 Up to 5 years protection,
 Suitable for petrol & diesel engines.
 Available in 1 ltr or 5 ltr only, plus it is only available from Comma  stockist.
 Webb sight is www.commaoil.com
 Happy motoring.       

[lynall]

You will probably find that is the OATS stuff and there was a recent post saying the new stuff is not recomedned in older vehicles, something to do with seals etc.
I just use the cheap old blue stuff.



Lynall