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MG TD TF 1500 - Radiator fluid change interval?

Hi all,
My PO did some radiator work about 3.5 years ago and I've not changed the fluid since. It looks nice and green and clean and does not leak. I don't drive it in winter and garage stays above freezing. I've driven it about 950 miles since purchase. Should I replace the fluid at this time just to be proper or leave it alone? ("Ain't broke, don't fix it!")

Thanks again,
Ed
efh Ed

Ed borrow or buy a tester. You want that thing to show your good for about 50 below. Where you are at if you have to shove it outside or if you loose your heat you won't freeze the block. Other wise I'd say leave it alone for another couple of years.
LED DOWNEY

ed, the coolant may protect against freezing, but the anti-corrosive agents break down over time..or so they say. i just traded my '97 mountaineer with 197,000 miles and never touched the radiator, so what do i know. in my old cars i change every 5 years..go figure. regards, tom
tom peterson

About two - three years is about the limit for the anti corrosive agents and water pump lubricant. I try to keep a two year cycle on all of our cars. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Ed,
IMHO: Since the car is "new" to you...certainly no harm in starting a maintenance schedule so you know where you stand. I change mine every 2/3 years or more depending on what has been done to the motor. Many of the quick lube places have a "flush machine" that will show you what was in the system. The other obvious advantage is they are, (supposedly) equipped to discard the old fluids responsibly. I do my own oil changes (mechanic friend uses my old oil for heating his garage). Don't like to mess with antifreeze because my neighbors dogs visit me in the garage for puppy treats...a spill could be bad news for them so I don't take the chance. (I don't have running water in my rented garage..makes clean up difficult!...dogs love the taste of A/F...and their own butts!)
After a rebuild on and on "new to me" engines I have been in the practice of taking a sample of oil to small airport using airport transfers tonbridge mechanic and having it analyzed. Normally cost about $25 and is good peace of mind to know whats "in there". ("chunks" are bad! LOL...so is H2O)
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

OK...before Sandy (or somebody else) "nails" me on this...
a "large" mechanic at a "small airport" will work also!
Common practice with these guys...getting oil analyzed... hard to "pull over" to the side of a cloud!
Cheers,
David
David Sheward

That's OIL RIGHT with me David.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

This thread was discussed between 02/09/2009 and 03/09/2009

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