Coolant change

[etsinko]

Hello!
As winter gets closer I'd like to prepare my Pajero for skiing trips to cold places (like Alberta :) In order to do so I plan to change the coolant first (who knows what they've used there in Japan, maybe its water). Does anybody have any recommendations as to which coolant to use and at what proportion to mix it with water?
Thank you!

[CVI]

You need to drain coolant from radiator and engine block to complete a good job. Take the under panel cover off below the front diff and on the left side of radiator, you will see the drain plug with a small hose connected to it. turn it counter clock looking at the plug in front (don't forget to take the rad cap off) and save coolant for proper disposal. ...Now, looking under the side where the oil filter is...you will see at the rear of the engine block near the tranny side a small 14mm bolt...this you have to loosen to get the coolant off the block..(be careful as when it opens, lots of coolant will spill so get as much pans as you can to catch the coolant!). Once all coolant is removed, tighten all and make sure.

Coolant I use is from Mopar (dodge dealership - Green) and mix a 60/40 ratio (60 coolant/40water).

That's it and Good luck.

Mitsubc

[Jester]

A word of warning as well:
While you're changing the coolant, inspect the radiator carefully.
Any sign of corrosion inside, either replace or get it re-cored.
It's much cheaper than getting the head replaced if corroded stuff gets loose and blocks the coolant lines in the head.

[etsinko]

Thank you guys for the replies!
Would you also recommend using a radiator flush like the ones they sell at Canadian Tire?

[konadog]

While you're changing the coolant, inspect the radiator carefully.

No kidding - here's an example I have posted before of a display at the ccautos day this past Aug. Nasty. Use a flash-light and have a real close inspection. Don't do any type of chemical or physical flushings if you see any sign of calcium build up but rather like Jester suggests, get the rad restored. If you do flush a blocked up rad you run the risk of loose bits breaking free and making a bad situation much worse. Once the rad is "new" you can flush regularly as a preventive maintenance thing

[nvanadm]

With having a new/re-cored radiator, how often (kms) would you recommend a "flush" for preventative maintenance??

[MardyDelica]

hi, try every year if you can. not expensive. but try to get a mixture of 60/40 or max 70/30.
to prevent clug on the system. try to used mopar green antifreze. i used this antifreeze for a while with out any problem.
cheers;