Radiator Coolant

[UK6]

RADIATOR COOLANT CONT.

Hello Forum,
Thank you for your advice re Radiator Coolant.
I have just returned from chatting with the foreman of my local Jaguar
workshop in Western Australia. The shop uses and recommends Castrol
"Radi-Cool" for all their Jags. The following technical data on the side of
the container reads as follows:
The "Radi-Cool" comes in either concentrated or premixed form.
The pre mixed coolant contains 33% ethylene glycol and 10mg/kg of denatonum
benzoate - max bp elevation 109 degrees C (no mention of corresponding
pressure). Further, the coolant exceeds the Aust. Corrosion Studies Standard
(AS 2108.1) and has a 3yr /60 000km service life - approx $22/5L in Aust.

I note that Castrol also produces an inhibitor called "Radi-Cool" as well.
The Radi-Cool inhibitor comes in 200mL containers, 45% of which (not sure if
it is by vol or mass) is glycol and contains benzoate as well.
One can or approx $5 Aust. worth will treat a small cooling system.
I suspect that the inhibitor composition is very similar if not the same as
the coolant except for the glycol percentage. The note on the side of the
inhibitor container states that the inhibitor can be mixed with the Castrol
Radi-Cool coolant.

In summary, I feel that the best prescription for my cooling system is
either the Castrol inhibitor+ distilled water or 33% premixed Castrol
coolant if I want a degree (excuse the pun) of bp elevation.
It's nice to know that I can mix either freely if I change my mind and
require a higher bp afforded by the 33% glycol mixture.
I need to build a new radiator, so I will include the necessary fittings to
feed a semi sealed fluid recovery tank. I will take the jag shop foreman's
advice and change the coolant at least every two years. Irrespective of the
brand of coolant/inhibitor, I believe that this last point is probably the
most important.

Regards to all,

Brett Boughton

Ps Bob S. If you bump into Jack Perkins and the Bristol Warrior whilst at
Monterey, could you kindly give him my regards and thank him for championing
my dad's old car - would love to see some contemporary snaps of the Warrior
and similar if you have time.

[RGSchmitt]

Brett -

If I find the Bristol Warrior at the Monterey "pre-historics" I'll
definitely take photos and look for its crew. I'be previously heard
there will be a pre-war Frazer Nash there, so it's also on the list.

Bob