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[Osprey]

I'll be changing the coolant shortly.  Currently have the regular green stuff.  Is it worth changing to the new red type?

If so, does it matter if it mixes with the remnants of the old green stuff or do I need to flush more thoroughly?

[neilr]

Red stuff is longer lasting supposedly 5 yrs System should be flushed claer if swapping over.

[Lazydocker]

Vx Red stuff is about the best, especially on TC

Make sure you give the system a good flush through

[Osprey]

Fairy snuff - sounds like the red stuff then, TC thanks to ABS. 

I'll be doing the cambelt & water pump at the same time so I can flush through the engine block while the pump is out, as well as through the rad. 

Is it worth running up to temperature on plain water just to get into the matrix and other nooks and crannies or is that a bad idea for corrosion in a cast iron block?

[51M0N]

red only suitable after 1999

pre 1999 is the green one.

[Andy B]

....

Is it worth running up to temperature on plain water just to get into the matrix and other nooks and crannies or is that a bad idea for corrosion in a cast iron block?

If you don't the thermostat will still be shut & you won't be circulating clean water around the block. Nothing will rust up in the hour or so it'll take to do the job. 

[Lazydocker]

red only suitable after 1999

pre 1999 is the green one.

The red is backwards compatible as long as you flush the system through

[JamesV6CDX]

red only suitable after 1999

pre 1999 is the green one.

The red is backwards compatible as long as you flush the system through

 

[Mr Gav]

You want to flush it with plain water a couple of times and run the car up to temperature each time, taking the car for a short run is a good idea. Keep flushing until you can`t smell any antifreeze in the water and then it`s safe to use the red antifreeze.
The red doesn`t mix with the green stuff and has been known to turn to gel when the two are mixed if the system hasn`t been flushed properly, which can lead to blockages.
If you google it you will find plenty of info.

[TheBoy]

Vx Red

Note, unlike some other reds, Vx Red  is compatible with older antifreeze, though makes sense to flush through For a few days before doing waterpump, I'd daily undo drain on rad, then top up with water.  Then when you do waterpump, you'll get most of the system empty. Then refill with 50:50 Red


Just because its 5yr, I would still urge changing every 2

[tunnie]

That reminds me, the entire tunnie fleet needs new coolant...

[Osprey]

Thanks for replies.  Vx red it is, and a few daily drains beforehand.   

[denisaok]

is red only available from dealer

[Osprey]

Vauxhall red antifreeze, as recommended by others above, is Vauxhall dealer only as far as I know.  Other red antifreeze is widely available e.g. Halfords at £22 for 5l.  But with Vauxhall at only £14 inc VAT trade club (£17 list) I guess we're better off using the real McCoy. 

[denisaok]

Thank you