Coolant

Martyn, I just use origanal coolant, ie Holden coolant in my Holden, Toyota coolant in my Toyota. Mixed to the correct amount with distilled water. The distilled water is the cheap part but I beleive even the dearest coolant to be cheap compared to replaceing motors.
(the reason I use distilled water is because tap water is quite often unknown quality and where i live even rain water has salt in it from the sea)

Toyota long life coolant is the way to go but I wouldn't expect you to put it in a Patrol - compare the prices. Always use distilled water or at least rainwater if you don't have access to free distilled water.Love the bush.
Chris

Yes. good quality coolant with Demin or distilled OR rain water. Don't use tap water.

Thanks people, guess what I will be doing at the weekend? Going on what you've said I had better change the Rangies water as well seeing as it's all ally, ummmmmmmmmKeep the shiny side up

Martyn, make sure if you do change coolants that you use an aftermarket coolant flush beforehand. then fill with fresh water and do a "stray current" test before adding coolant.
Check out www.are.com.au and then have a look in their tech section especially their "horror pics section"
Lots of excellent info here on cooling systems.
Regards Andrew.

Hi Martyn,

Most all OEMs will recommend an Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically 50% EG/ 50% distilled water.

I would caution everybody about the leading aftermarket coolants such as Tectalloy, Nulon, etc without noting the Ethylene Glycol concentration. These guys do a great marketing job, especially in clear containers where green coolant must be good right. I work in the engine development business and once you've seen 100% EG, you'll realise how diluted these coolants are. For instance Tectaloy 90Plus, which is marketed toward 4WD, etc is only 33% EG, not 90% as some people believe (read the fine print). The other forms of Tectaloy are even less. If you do buy this stuff then be sure to use it undiluted. Tectaloy do market 100Plus which is 50% EG but I've never seen it. What is interesting is that Tectaloy have a product VPlus which is concentrate EG made to GMH specs. Maybe that tells you something.

I am sure Tectaloy make a good quality product (to Australian Standards even), however just be sure of what you are using and what your manufacturer recommends.

You'll likely get a good quality product, and better price, if you approach a local radiator specialist.

Hi Martyn I am a part owner in an automotive parts reseller mostly to the trade.We see all sorts of coolants and inhibitors come and go.We stock some 15 different types aftermarket and oe.The only way to go is to use genuine coolant with distilled water this is an area not to scrimp a few dollars.Toyota or Nissan long life will give you great protection for 3 years and at around 40 dollars for five liters and 14 dollars for twenty liters of distilled water its very cheap insurance over that time.You will need two bottles of coolant for a Patrol but you will not need to use it all so keep some for a top up.At around a hundred dollars all up it is money very well spent having seen what some cheap and not so cheap inhibitors can do.Before hand always use a neutralising product like Tectaloy Muckout its only an alkilie and will nuetralise the old inhibitor before you put in the fresh stuff. Gotta get out there. Debbie and Mike