Switching Between Coolants????

[daroccot]

I've got to replace the coolant in my '93.

I've been reading lots about the different types of coolant out there, I'll group them into two broad types, Regular or extended life.

From what i've learned the regular (green stuff) has phospates and sillicates in it and isn't so good for the cooling systems. The extended life stuff (not green) has lower to no phosphate & sillicates, and is good for the cooling systems, (would however still replace every two years)...

now the problem/question.

If the car already has regular coolant in it it is not recommended to change to extended life as there is some sort of reaction that will enhance any deposits already present in the system, is this the case?? Also there was suggestion to run a weak acid solution through the cooling system before switching over, any one know what this acid solution might be?

So here's the question, do I just keep using the regular stuff, and change it every year, or should I go through the hassle of the acid rinse, flushing, and switch over to the extended life stuff (and follow a regular maintenance interval)

BTW the ratio of coolant to distilled water is 70:30 as I live in a harsh climate. Very Northern Canada winter 6 months of the year cold the other 6 months, sub-arctic really, winters average -25 with cold nights down to -50. Ask me why I live hear again???

thanks.

[Wayne 962]

Please define harsh? Like HOT or HOT/COLD, or mostly COLD all the time?

-Wayne

[umnitza]

this has been discussed a few times elsewhere.

Spend the extra money and just go to the parts counter of your BMW retailer and buy it with a CCA discount.

It's the best one. Period

[daroccot]

Originally posted by umnitza
this has been discussed a few times elsewhere.

Spend the extra money and just go to the parts counter of your BMW retailer and buy it with a CCA discount.

It's the best one. Period

I've searched multiple archives and I could not find topics specifically related to switching between coolant types.

I'm not trying to do this on the cheap, my nearest BMW Dealer is 2000km away. My point was seeing as a p.o. has already gone to a regular coolant, can I switch to a phosphate/silicate/nitrate/fat free type coolant, I don't care who makes it. Is it scientifically advisable to switch from a regular to extended life coolant.

[Wayne 962]

Whoops, you must have missed my question, which type of environment are you located in?

-Wayne

[daroccot]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Whoops, you must have missed my question, which type of environment are you located in?

-Wayne

Far North / Sub-Arctic, mostly cold...

is that what you mean?

[umnitza]

I have to say that if you can source the OEM coolant from Pelican, that would be the best way to go and have it shipped direct to you.

I know that PacificBMW and CircleBMW cell online, but I'd look at Pelican first.

[daroccot]

Originally posted by umnitza
I have to say that if you can source the OEM coolant from Pelican, that would be the best way to go and have it shipped direct to you.

I know that PacificBMW and CircleBMW cell online, but I'd look at Pelican first.

I've no problem in having to mail-order the stuff, just want to know if the change-over is ADVISABLE...

[Wayne 962]

Okay. I think that the extended-life coolant makes some compromises on performance for life-extension. Since you're in a cold environment, I would stick with the normal stuff.

If you're not the original owner, then I would certainly do a full block/radiator flush.

I'm sure that if you wanted to use the extended stuff, that there would be warnings and labels on the back of the bottle, for what preparations you would need to clean out the old stuff. I personally haven't used the extended-life coolant.

We can certainly get the OEM coolant no problem, however, BMW obviously doesn't make it's own coolant - they buy it from elsewhere.

The main concern is indeed particulate in the coolant. If you flush and replace your coolant every 2 years or so (and don't add tap water), then you should be perfectly fine with off-the-shelf coolant.

-Wayne