I need the add coolant to my motor and I have read on this site not mix colors of different coolants, is this true.
Coolant
- Thread starter Ronald Roman
- Start date
This could get very long winded. The simplest answer is to find out what it is, confirm that is acceptable for the engine, and then and match it. Yes, there are compatibility issues.
The problem with using color as an indicator is there is no accepted industry standard. It is legal to use any color dye that you like.
(I was in the industry as a manufacturer for >30 years)
The problem with using color as an indicator is there is no accepted industry standard. It is legal to use any color dye that you like.
(I was in the industry as a manufacturer for >30 years)
If it is urgent and you don't need very much I would just use plain distilled water, especially at this time of year.
When I first got my boat and did not know what was in there I found out what the correct anti freeze is, then double changed it. If you don't know what is in there now, or how long it has been, that may be a good thing to do.
When I first got my boat and did not know what was in there I found out what the correct anti freeze is, then double changed it. If you don't know what is in there now, or how long it has been, that may be a good thing to do.
One of the first things I did when I purchased my boat was flush and change the unknown coolant in my auxiliary with the recommended Yanmar coolant. After six years I am doing it again using the very thorough testing and reporting conducted by Practical-Sailor, and poster #2 in particular.
Perhaps the most critical factor, FAR more important than brand, is seawater contamination. Coolants that are rated for 5-6 years in a truck are only rated for 1-2 years in a boat (I believe the Yanmar manual states this) because of the risk of a seawater leak (the condemning limit is about 1% seawater). I would use a chloride (not free chlorine--different) test kit annually.
Something like this:https://www.grainger.com/product/INDUSTRIAL-TEST-SYSTEMS-Test-Strips-3VEZ1
Something like this:https://www.grainger.com/product/INDUSTRIAL-TEST-SYSTEMS-Test-Strips-3VEZ1
YES!
Two different chemicals with 2 different characteristics. Double check this...
Green/Yellow .... Ethylene glycol
Pink ... Polypropylene Glycol
Jim...