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MG MG Y Type - which coolant?

Now that it is starting to freeze here (just a little bit) I'm wondering what kind of coolant is suitable for the Y.

Should I use water with anti-freeze or can I use modern coolant?

I've heard horror-stories of agressive modern coolant eating away gaskets and waterpumps but I don't know if the XPAG is coolant-sensitive.
Willem van der Veer

A good question, Willem. I have used the regular ethylene glycol anti-freeze (colored green for identification - do the manufacturers over there use the same color? Just curious.), since buying my Y in 2001 with no problems. I would be interested in hearing if there are potential problems with the newer, more "environmentally friendly" coolants, since our omnipotent government may someday require their use.

Paul
Y5095
Paul Briggs

Willem - any of the modern coolants should work fine in the XPAG. The water pump seal is a carbon seal, so it should be inert to just about anything. Patric Bedard (not sure of the spelling of his name) did an article in Car & Driver a year or so ago regarding the various coolants available today and from what I read, I don't see any real advantage in switching from the old ethylene glycol at a 25% - 50% solution and change it ever year or two. Good luck - Dave
David DuBois

David, thank you! I won't worry anymore.
Willem van der Veer

To my knowledge there is no difference in "modern" coolant and old fashioned anti freeze.
These days both contain the same ethylene glycol and additives which will benefit any engine. Modern coolant is just more expensive because you buy the water as well.

Bas
Bas

I can't find it for the life of me find it, but I recently read an article on coolants by an MG enthusiast. He had tons of info from a chemist who specializes in automotive coolants and it was very clear that one type was by far the best for any type of automotive engine, new or old. It's a product that is being marketed through other brands right now but I believe has been released as it's own. I keep thinking it's called Dexron II but that's ATF fluid. It was something like that though. I'll keep looking.
Steve Simmons

Steve,

You are quite right about Dexron. I used it a lot as an additive in coolant for commercial vehicles. I believe it was supplied in yellow drums by Shell. Same stuff was also sold as oil to be used as coolant with drilling and milling metal.
It kept the engines cooling system in "as new" condition.
I do believe that similar additives are part of every proper Coolant or Anti Freeze brand.

Bas

VA 0251
TD 23222
F MY2000
Bas

This thread was discussed between 09/12/2003 and 13/12/2003

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