charlie_pank Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Just been to get some coolant and they've given me this red stuff which doesn't tell you what's in it. It says it contains "glysantin" made by BASF and following the web-trail it looks like this stuff is ethelyne glycol, which - having done my research on this site - I know to be the WRONG stuff to be putting in my K-series. Caterham wouldn't sell me any coldstream they said that this red stuff was right, but I am VERY suspicious. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this red stuff ok in my ally engine? Thanks in advance for your responses. Sorry I know there's been lots of stuff about coolant here but I couldn't find anything on this funny red stuff. Kermit the frog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 The red X-Stream is not as good as Coldstream or Rover 4 year coolant - it is just ethylene glycol with an anti-corrosion additives package that claims to be suitable for all alloy engines. If you want to test it, stick it in an old kettle and listen to how noisy it gets when it is cavitating. Then try the same with coldstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_pank Posted October 24, 2002 Author Share Posted October 24, 2002 Thanks PC, I'll keep my receipt and take it back to Caterham and go to my local Rover dealers to get the right stuff. I am irritated - the receptionist even asked one of the guys who claimed to know what he was talking about to come and confirm with me that it was the right stuff and just as good as coldstream! Grrrrrrr...... Kermit the frog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Den Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 I *believe* that the red Comma coolant is to replace the red coolant found in cars such as Toyotas, where they have their own 'For life' coolant, which is red. Den 😬 - Self portrait - still unable to remove the smile! Edited by - Dirty Den on 26 Oct 2002 11:37:38 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 My local Comma dealer told me the green one is the same as coldstream but is undiluted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_pank Posted October 24, 2002 Author Share Posted October 24, 2002 It's bad that Caterham sold me the wrong stuff innit? So if I go to Rover tomorrow, which is just down the road, and make sure that I get something with polypropylene glycol in it, I should be fine? Kermit the frog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Charlie I get the Comma Coldstream from Camberley Auto Factors, may be a branch near you Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 I have had a Rover dealer tell me that they couldn't get 4 yr coolant. But I persevered and when he looked in his micro-fiche he could get it. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheds Moderator Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 ooer, I have just replaced my coolant with, erm Bluecol, I think, following head surgery. Is this not a good idea on a 1.4K16? If not then I can drain it off and shove it in my scabby Volvo which can have any old sh*te, I really don't care as long as the core plugs stay in. Incidentally when I pulled the head off it looked as if it had been runnning without antifreeze: there was so much corrosion I thought I was back in the '70s with my Fisher Price crystal growing kit. Should I get rid and use Rover coolant? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 Yes, yes, yes, just get it out and get rover 4yr or comma coldstream in (undiluted). Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 I've said this before but I had the same experience as Graham - except that my local Rover dealer told me that the 4-year stuff didn't exist! I went straight to their local supplier and got it -the phone call to the Rover dealer was very embarassing (for them) 😬 SV 52 CAT - the Mole is flying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V7 SLR Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 My local Rover didn't know about the 4 years stuff either but I persisted and bought their 25 litre vat of the stuff when they proclaimed that it was the only stuff they could get. Considering the amount of times I've pulled the engine apart, enough to warrant a drain/refill, it was a good purchase. Ironic that it's 4-year coolant. It never last more than about 8 months in my car. Worcs L7 club joint AO.//Membership No. 4379//Azure Blue SLR No. 0077//Se7ens List Tours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 Coldstream is no longer available Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red SLR Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 Following my little idea of starting a the seven online parts store I am aware of developments from a well know brand - there are moves on the cards that will put an end to all the "is it ok or not" debate for coolant in Caterhams.(and oil for that) See X777CAT here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Flatters Posted October 25, 2002 Share Posted October 25, 2002 Who says Coldstream is no longer available - Comma seem to think they still make it - see here and scroll down. *arrowright*Harry Flatters *arrowright* AKA Steve Mell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodW Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Pray enlighten me - what is the problem with ethylene glycol coolants? Are they simply less efficient, or have they been shown to damage K engines? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Cheers Harry / Steve, I'll persue my local agent on this one then Regards, Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puremalt Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Probably Rod, as aluminiium rots outside a very narrow pH range (high and low), the coolant additive makes the water too acidic or most likely alkaline for long term security. I blew several thousand pound radiators at a very prestigious hotel becasue they didn't tell me that the rads were alloywhen I put the corrosion inhibitor in. Their mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Walker Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Halfords 4 year undiluted is the same as Comma Coldstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyR Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 I saw Comma Coldstream for sale in Wilkinsons last week. TonyR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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