Coolant change

[EvaS]

How often do you change coolant in your Smart ForTwo?
I've read about evans waterless cooling systems…(?)
Any opinions?

[Evilution]

Re: Coolant change

Replace it according to the service schedule or when it needs replacing indicated by the use of a coolant tester (float type or refractometer type).

[137699]

Re: Coolant change

I recently asked S2Smarts if I should have the coolant changed in ours (now 10 years old). They said that in an alloy block coolant rarely needs changing - they tested it and found it to be fine.

[tolsen]

Re: Coolant change

I recently asked S2Smarts if I should have the coolant changed in ours (now 10 years old). They said that in an alloy block coolant rarely needs changing - they tested it and found it to be fine.

It is the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant that get depleted requiring coolant change. Tests done at garages are solely checking freezing point. Most coolants need be changed after three to four years.

[problemchild1976]

Re: Coolant change

i saw them use the waterless coolant on wheeler dealers the other day - was intrigued until i saw the pain it was to flush out any water in the system.

JJ

[Yorkshire Devil]

Re: Coolant change

I recently asked S2Smarts if I should have the coolant changed in ours (now 10 years old). They said that in an alloy block coolant rarely needs changing - they tested it and found it to be fine.

For £20 in premixed coolant is it not worth doing? You wouldn't think twice about not doing an oil change based on time.

[tolsen]

Re: Coolant change

The Evans coolant appeals to me so I might try it out. This coolant is Propylene Glycol based. Can be sourced for about GBP 30 for five litres. The real Evans is twice of that.

The benefit that appeals to me is the lower specific heat capacity of Propylene Glycol, only 2.5 kJ/kgK compared to 4.2 kJ/kgK for water. Specific heat capacity of neat ethylene glycol is 2.36 kJ/kgK.
Lower specific heat means engine gets quicker up to operating temperature something I proved a couple of years ago by filling cooling system with neat ethylene glycol.
Propylene Glycol is also non toxic and you could drink it if you wanted to.

[BBE]

Re: Coolant change

I recently asked S2Smarts if I should have the coolant changed in ours (now 10 years old). They said that in an alloy block coolant rarely needs changing - they tested it and found it to be fine.

Do not gamble with old coolant 137699 !
I have seen alu engines totally destroyed because of ageing coolant.
Stick with 3-4 years between replacements.
Bjorn