Hi all,
being as we have had temps here of minus 12 and at short notice i could only get the crap halfords anti freeze my coolant has frozen. Not solid but like a slush puppy with all the juice sucked out.
I am thinking for safety when it finally thaws ill take the flywheel off and re tourque the through bolts +1 lb.
I think ill be safe as the coolant isnt totally frozen. Is it worth doing this job or will i have got away with it.
I would say that this will have no effect at all other than create yourself a lot of work.
Having dealt with frozen engines over the years I would say that it will have two chances, good or no good and if no good it will mean that its physically cracked something which is why re torquing bolts will be a pointless exercise.
Just leave it alone till the weather gets better or get it inside to thaw otherwise you risk hot spots and warpage where the waters not going to be able to circulate properly.
Hope its O/K and this helps.
Ill second Clives advice, i have also delt with frozen engines in the past (pistons) and the best advice is to leave well alone, protect it from freezing further and dont try to rush its defrosting process.
Cheers guys. I thought it may help. I can\'t believe Halfords only sell that watered down crap. Only good for minus 5. not fit for purpose. I might write them a letter. I got some minus 37 degree stuff off ebay 5 litre. 22 quid delivered.
i got my -34 stuff from halfords,
Halfords Advanced Anti Freeze & Coolant Concentrate
Features & Benefits
5 Year Life
Suitable for all year round - anti freeze / summer coolant
Temperature range from +108C / -34C
Suitable for most vehicles manufactured after 1998
Maximum concentratin = 50% water / 50% anti freeze
Silicate free, organic acid technology (OAT) for superior engine protection
Compatible with all vehicle manufacturers\' colours of OAT coolants
Enhanced corrosion protection
£21.99
pink stuff for aluminium engines.
The halfords stuff is a lot better than -5. Who says it\'s only good for that? Is it a tester you\'ve vot? If so then it\'s probably just too old/dilute.
I\'ve seen at least 2 types there - the blue stuff which is good for the 20\'s and 2 years, and the pink \'advanced\' which is into the 30\'s and 5 year or something.
When I gave the number on the back a bell they told me they were both fine for alloy engines.
Never seen any antifreeze that only drops to -5 anywhere.
I\'d be pressure testing the cooling system if I were you, to be sure, especially as you\'re trying to sell it.
I wouldnt worry about it unless it was solid, in which case it would pop the freeze plugs in the castings rather than crack the keg.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PRESTONE-ANTIFREEZE-MIXES-ALL-RED-GREEN-BLUE-1LTR-/150365541073?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item23027c12d1
Better than any halfrauds stuff, and it\'s a cool luminous yellow. :)
GOOD CALL,
The freeze has thawed. ill have a go at starting it tomorrow. I dont think ive done damage. As i say it was never solid. i have some minus 37 stuff in at the mo.
The racing battery holds zero charge below freezing.