Engine Coolant

[Andle]

Time to change the coolant in the car.

Which-one/how do I choose the correct one?

Where is the cheapest place to get it?

How much do I need?

Cheers,

Andle

Picasso Xsara
1.6 HDI VTX
92 bhp
9HXC
DV6TED4
2007
80,000k
Manual Transmission

[jsp]

red one G12 spec. Unless someone put in Anti-gel. Then you need anti-gel.

[EDC5]

I think the official Citroen recommendation is Glysantin G33.

I used TOTAL Glacelf in mine when I changed the coolant. It's a similar glycol-based OAT antifreeze coolant. Not sure how important it is really but I'd always replace it with a chemically similar antifreeze in case there is a reaction with any residual coolant were you to change to a non-OAT coolant.

[bobins]

There's a myriad of lubricant / coolant selectors available from the major oil companies and parts suppliers. Run your cars reg number through one of them to see what they say.
Here's a couple of examples:
https://total-gbr.lubricantadvisor.com/eng
https://www.commaoil.com/passenger-vehicles

[white exec]

Just don't mix types, brands, or go by colour (there are no colour standards).
If in doubt, check which one is recommended, and stick to that for all topping up.
Stick a label under-bonnet so it's clear what is in there.

[Paul-R]

If you don't know what it's been filled with previously then be sure to flush it through thoroughly.

Then use an OAT glycol anti-freeze which will last longer than the old style phosphate based anti-freeze.

[Steve Walsh]

Changed mine recently, flushed it out and refilled with Glysantin G30 concentrate mixed with demineralised water, Bought it online from https://www.ato24.de/

[EDC5]

If you want Glysantin G30 then it can be had off ebay (in the UK) under the name Comma G30. £25 for 5 litres of concentrate:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381604388486

[Paul-R]

What actually is Glysantin? Is it just a trade name? Is it a special type of OAT anti-freeze? I believe that there is G30 and G40 (perhaps more), what's the difference there?

[bobins]

IIRC, it's made by BASF and used by many different manufacturers. Somewhere I've got the technical documents for it.

[Andle]

I don’t know what’s been in there already. I am the third owner of the car.

What’s the right way to do a thorough flush?

If I want to do it myself, is there a bolt or spout which can easily empty the coolant through - or will I have to unclip the radiator hose?

The spout route makes it a much cleaner quicker job.

Could someone help check to see if my cooling system has an easy way to extract the fluid please.

[GiveMeABreak]

See my illustrated post here: The procedure is exactly the same for your Picasso:

viewtopic.php?p=627831#p627831

[Andle]

Thank you for that GiveMeABreak.

Realistically - I don’t have access to any of that equipment.

The coolant system needs to be thoroughly flushed and cleaned out first of all remaining remnants - as I do not know what was in there before.

Once cleaned out - then I can think of filling with the final correct coolant.

To get this done right - I’m going to have to leave it to a pro?

[Steve Walsh]

My C5 has the same engine as Marc's link, I recently flushed and changed my coolant without any of the special tools,

Refilled with Glysantin G30

[bobins]

The only thing you'd really need that would be 'non-standard' would be a method of making a funnel to fit tightly onto the neck of the expansion tank. You could get creative with Gaffer tape and a coke bottle - as long as you can (safely) give the expansion tank a raised head of water then that will do. The specialist tools make the job a lot easier, but it can still be done with basic tools.
To do a decent job of flushing the system, you really do need a hose and running water - making sure to catch the old antifreeze and dispose of it properly as it can be poisonous to some animals even in small doses.