Coolant chat

[Davey Boy]

Looking to flush out my old Nissan Genuine Green antifreeze/coolant.
I live in a naturally soft water area.
Can I use that for my new green 50/50 mix or go with distilled?

 

[jims-terrano]

I’ve heard of people using distilled water rather than tap water. Can’t remember if soft or hard water that leaves scale. Would the inhibitors stop scale forming dunno. I’m sure Solarman produces his own distilled water for his batteries so he may give you some tips too.
It’s on my to do list for the project truck when it’s back on the road. Thinking about removing thermostat and then draining it, then run for a few hours and drain again to try and clear as much old coolant out as possible.

 

[macabethiel]

Why would you ?

Looking to flush out my old Nissan Genuine Green antifreeze/coolant.
I live in a naturally soft water area.
Can I use that for my new green 50/50 mix or go with distilled?

In my view using distilled or demineralised water is completely pointless as the liquid will pick up plenty of salts and stuff from the inside of your block, hoses etc.

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

If its still the original stuff thats in then chances are its seen very little or maybe even no tap water, if so personally I would fill up with demineralised water + coolant, it's not very expensive to buy and I bet there's a zillion videos on youtube of how to make it.
I don't think tap water will harm your engine though, people have been using it for decades in vehicles with no problems, and like Jim says the antifreeze/coolant will probably inhibit any chemical reactions.

 

[solarman216]

We do not have tap water here, it comes out of the ground and is of the soft variety, lathers up nicely and does not taint a cuppa, having been here 12 years plus it is all I have used in my motors plus antifreeze/inhibitor of the orange type, never had any problems at all, I used to distil my own water for batteries but it uses too much power, when I can I collect rain water from non metallic roofs and filter it but at £12 for 25 Ltr from the local factors I really cannot be bothered, Rick

 

[Davey Boy]

Thanks for the replies chaps.
Leads me on to another question.
Rick mentioned his orange coolant. Mine is green.
I know there are blues and reds to.
What does the colour mean?

 

[jims-terrano]

Basically as far as I’m aware the colour indicates chemical composition and some are more suitable to use on different engines. I’m pretty sure Banshee recommended a Comma brand green but you’ll have to search previous threads regarding this.

 

[solarman216]

Yes colour indicates different chemical compositions, very briefly blue/green need to be changed every two years, orange every five, and can mix with any others, there is a lot more to it than that, so if you really want to know more just search, it is all there for you to make up your own mind, I have for the last 12 years only used orange, it is a little more expensive but lasts a lot longer, and is defo compatible with ALL metals, Rick

 

[Davey Boy]

Thanks.
I have researched this now after my last post, and realised how crucial the choice is.
I'm going original genuine Nissan green with distilled water after a really good flush.
She's never overheated while I've had her but I don't know the coolant history of the vehicle so just being cautious.
Might pop in a new genuine thermostat while I'm at it.:thumb2