Re: A question regarding anti-freeze/coolant

Bob Douglas (b-douglas(at)ti.com)
Wed, 22 Jul 1998 13:11:10 -0500

> From: "Rex Funk" <rexfunk(at)magick.net>
>> Patrick wheeler wrote:
>>
>> Is the proper balance what is important, is the
>> particular brand/type of anti-freeze what is important, or is it
>> enougf just to be sure that there is plenty of coolant?
>
> I go with 50/50, and that's the most often recommended ratio I have
> seen. Make sure your antifreeze says something like "approved for
> use in aluminum engines". Any of the major brands are a fairly safe
> bet.

There was a similar thread on the TR7/8 list about this. The gist was the key phrase to look for in coolant for Al head/Fe block (al la TR7) engines is "Phosphate/Silicate free". Using something that is labeled "safe for all engine metals" is not sufficient. In the early '80s a lot of what was available off-the-shelf did not meet this criteria and apparently caused problems in some JRT (Jaguar Rover Triumph) and German engines. Though brand-name alternatives are easier to find now, some people are still buying the authorized JRT formula at Jag dealers for ~$30US a gallon - gotta love those cars I suppose.

Regards,

Bob Douglas