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MG MGF Technical - Changing Antifreeze

I'm thinking of changing the coolant on my 1999mgf[mpi].
What type should it be??
Would it pay to update to the latest OAT??

Thanks in advance.
mf cole

I've found the info i needed on Dieters website.
My car should have Ethylene glycol antifreeze which is yellow/green in colour.
mf cole

There must have been a significant reason for MGR to revise the coolant spec, I'd guess that the later type is less corrosive so is a more appropriate option for cars with mild steel pipework (the underbody pipes)

bandit

I'm thinking of going for the flush and then an OAT antifreze.
The jobs then done for a few years.
mf cole

I think it depends on the age of the car. Anti corrosion is done by passivation of the coolant system internal surfaces balancing the chemical reactivity of the differing metals. If you fit a whole load of new bits OAT is probably best after thorough flushing.
I definitely had the original engine and heater matrix and almost certainly the original radiator so stuck to a reduced concentration of ethylene glycol (MGR dealer advice) when I changed the underfloor pipes to SS last year.
Charless

OAT has a less frequent change interval.
4 years instead of 2 ?
Jon Baker

Corrosion of the radiator and steel coolant pipes have nothing to do with what type of coolant that is used. As long as there is a proper mix of water and anti-freeze that is not too old it will work OK.
Changing from polyprop or ethylene based to OAT will tear on the built-up layers developed by the previous used coolant. The inside rust problem on the coolant pipes as well as the in some cases total destruction of the radiator is based on the voltage diff. between generator /battery ground connection and to some degree by the heavy current drawn by the EPAS.
A separate isolated groundpath direct from generator to battery ground connection will level out the voltage diff. that accelerates the corrosion.At least a 35mm sq cable will do the job nicely. Internal rust in the coolant pipes as well as radiator decay will stop immediatly. / Carl
Carl Blom

This thread was discussed between 23/10/2008 and 25/10/2008

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