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MG MGF Technical - Water and coolant

I was checking my oil and water at the weekend and noticed that my water level was ok but the colour of the water wasnt THAT green. It was green, dont get me wrong but it didnt seem to be as green as the picture on Rob Bells web site. I could be wrong as the light wasnt good, but is it a problem?

Anyway, if I wanted to top the water up what is the safest way of doing it? Or even if I wanted to top up the coolant, is it safe for me to do it?

I know this sound quite dumb but I want to be extra careful.
Wez

Wez,

Mine isn't that green either, more of a yellow.
That is after it's been refilled by Rover as well.

Would be overly concerned, but you can get your dealer to check the concentration.

Be careful topping it up, and remember there should be space in the expansion tank, so don't "fill" it.

Mine is filled to the seam about half way up the expansion tank, as long as it doesn't shift from there I don't worry.

Paul
paul weatherill

Yeah mine is at that level too and sound the same as yours.

Thanks for the confidence booster!
Wez

Top up with water, the system can take Litres (several, numbers anyone?) so a little extra water is going to change the mixture only very slightly (starts off as 50/50, which gives you protection down to horrendously chilly levels).
As for topping up with coolent if you do so MAKE SURE it is exactly the same coolent, they are not (officaly) designed to be mixed- only therefore add coolent if you KNOW the type of coolent the garage has used - MGR only recommend one I think, but are you sure?

Will
Will Munns

Oh and there are two steps in the tank (if you look directly down into it) if the lower step is exposed then the coolent is to low, the upper step is the mark (allegedly) but B&G topped mine up to above this and I have had no trouble. If you over top the tank then it will vent coolent over the engine escapeing thru the expansion tank cap.

Will
Will Munns

Will, I dont have a clue what coolant it is and it seems that the level is fine anyway. So at the next service (3 yr one) I will make sure it is taken to a recommended garage and ask them to do it.

At least I will have some comfort!
Wez

I believe that the Unipart coolant has a life span of 3 summer & 3 winter seasons (I think). The coolant will eventually turn brown if left unchanged after this period and is meant to be an indication that replacement is overdue.

I'm sure other will have more info. I got this pearl of wisdom from a very experienced mechanic....

Tim
tim

Top it up when cold otherwise you may get burnt!

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

I have alwayd been told to do that anyway because otherwise if you were adding col water to a warm engine you could cause a problem. So I have always done it cold just to be safe!
Wez

The MGF should use Unipart Superplus 3 Summer and Winter coolant up to 1997 models which is green. After that they should be using OAT (Organic Acid Technology) which is a straw colour. Not all dealers know this (experience) even though it's in their workshop manual!!!
Sav

>even though it's in their workshop manual!!!

Edition 6 and higher only. IMO

Comprehensive story in the archives or on top of
http://www.mgfcar.de/bleed/index.htm
Dieter Koennecke

This thread was discussed on 20/03/2002

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