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MG MGA - Antifreeze

This BB has become static so here is a new thread.

Following setbacks with core plugs I have been using tap water as coolant.

What is the recommendation for a permanent coolant, please?

Cheers

Dave
Bolney Coupe

Dave
I have been happy with 4Life for many years now, in my twin cam engine. Used neat as it comes. Have run it out a few times over ten years (recommended life) and it looks fine and clean as a whistle. Will renew it shortly as recommended. I recall asking Bob West about it some time back and he was ok with it too.
I have kept away from the Evans Waterless stuff as there has been too much controversy about it for my comfort.
(As an aside, are you actually in Bolney? I'm in Shoreham down the road).
Best
Bruce.
B Mayo

I use a 50/50 mix of distilled water and standard anti-freeze. I recall from this BBS a while back that distilled water should be used rather than tap water as it contains non of the impurities that can harm the waterways and radiator. I use the water from my dehumidifier.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Dave

Like Steve I run on 50/50 but living in a soft water area I have always used tap water, not aware of any issues.

Paul
Paul Dean

Bruce

Thanks to you and all other responders for the advice.

I do live in Bolney, post code RH17 5PA. My Coupe lived on Shoreham Beach for 25 years from 1975 and bore the scars until the just completed rebuild.

The car is presently off the road due to a failed safety gauge but if you are passing by do give me a call on 0750 490 1022.

Cheers

Dave
Bolney Coupe

Bruce

I had not heard of 4Life before your post so I looked it up on the web. I presume it's straight from the container undiluted? The only adverse comments I noticed were in the forums, saying it will find any weak spot in the system and leak. Others said that although it is long lasting it is a costly option if you have a leak or have to drain the system and lose liquid in the process. Any thoughts or comments?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve.
It has never given me a moments trouble in many years. Not sure why it should be particularly leak-prone compared with any other type of antifreeze. It is sold by MGOC and admittedly a bit more expensive but good for the long term. As I mentioned, if Bob West says it's ok for my engine, and with an alloy head, that's good enough for me!
Best
Bruce.
B Mayo

I also use 4life. It was recommended to me by Bob West himself when I had a radiator recored over the winter. I think he now uses it himself. He also strongly advised against using the "famous" waterless coolant.

Can't fault it. I got mine from the mgoc store.
C Wilson

For those not in the UK, is anyone aware of any suppliers in Oz? I have searched and can't find it. The cost of shipping from the UK is about 5x the cost of the antifreeze. It would be interesting to try, if available.

Thanks,
Mark
M Wellard

Why do you need an an antifreeze in Queensland. I live in NSW/Victoria and use a corrosion inhibitor .....and you are much warmer.
Neil Ferguson

Sorry for the confusion, I used anitifreeze as a generic term for coolant, other than pure water. I should have said coolant!
It does snow in parts of Qld...
The comment about the 4life and alloy heads was what interested me.

Mark
M Wellard

Mark,

Almost all modern cars have alloy cylinder heads and some even alloy engine blocks.
Why not just use the coolants recommended or sold by their Dealers?
Just avoid the cheap supermarket products.

Mick
M F Anderson

Mark,

Remember that you should not mix the red and green type coolants.

Mick
M F Anderson

Mick,

That sounds reasonable. I have been using a concentrate sold for Rover that is no longer available. Something with long life is attractive when my cars don't get driven a lot and it's easy to lose track of when to change. Good advice on not mixing the colours.

Mark
M Wellard

This thread was discussed between 14/09/2016 and 18/09/2016

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