Anti freeze and batteries.

[Forumadmin]

Thought I would sort the cars before the freeze by checking the anti freeze and charging the batteries. I have a small hydrometer with 4 balls in it for measuring the concentration of antifreeze. So first checked the modern which lifted two balls , I think this indicates good down to minus 10C. Then drained the Javelin. Took a 1 ltr measuring jug and filled to 500ml, checked concentration and then noted how much was required to desired protection level. This was 150ml. Since system takes 9 ltrs that meant adding 2700 ml of antifreeze to system (9x2x150). Filled and topped up and ran for 20 minutes to mix and reach heater, plus dry out the exhaust.

I noted that to start the car it needed full choke, even three quarters choke was not enough. So that is one job I need to do!

Then did the same on the SC and SA. Not often all three cars are running at the same time.

If temps do go below -10c in the garage then I will put some heating on. Hopefully the garage will be insulated soon.

[Keith Andrews]

A 50/50 mix is what is recomend to cover all senios....
In very exteme stituations 60/40 or 70/30 but here we are taliking in heat exchangers for hot water in the Hillary schools in Nepal.
What also has to be considered is the anti corrosion chemicals in the anti freeze..it is not just a anti freze soln, it also has buffers to prevent electloysis of aluminum compents in the engine....
The anti freeze part will not change if one tops up with a 50/50 storage soln
And also which anti freeze product to use as to what area part of the world lives in...local types of hardness and contaminates......the green or red.
If one is not sure what in in there....drain and start new, keep a note of when the service is done...include it in say every 4 oil /grease service....take note of the manfactureers recommendations as to the electolysis and concentartion.
Note 50/50 is the general recommendation IF u purchase concentrate
Read the label carefully before purchase...that it is concentrate and not pre mixed.