Frozen Will Not Start

[scanner]

If your really unsure of your anti freeze content or your not proficient enough to do a full system drain n flush and can't get to a local garage to get it tested go to a local motor factors and buy 5 litres of neat antifreeze not premixed, when the cooling system is stone cold remove the cap from the radiator, then remove the cap from the header tank, the header will now empty through the radiator cap down to the radiator level, replace radiator cap and slowly pour the neat antifreeze in to the header tank until it is just under the "MAX" mark, replace header cap and run up to temp to mix the coolant in the system, leave a couple of hours to cool down then re-check the level in the headertank.

You can repeat the above until you get all 5 litres in the system, if there's any one in the cambs area that wants there system checking for antifreeze then i'd be more than glad to do it for you free of charge.

Whoa If it's a fresh import, it may well have the original Japanese antifreeze in it - this does not mix with most of the stuff sold over here and can cause clogging of the cooling system. Far better to drain all the old stuff out, flush the system, refill and bleed properly.

AND if you are going to use that method it's simpler and safer to add the neat anti-freeze via the bleed tube and let the surplus out through the header tank - less chance of air getting anywhere it shouldn't.

[Tripewriter]

If you have bought from a dealer within three weeks then.

Was any guarantee given, written or implied?

First step is to talk to the dealer if tyou get no satisfaction then talk to the Trading Standards department at your local authority.

Good luck.

[M 80NGO]

Whoa If it's a fresh import, it may well have the original Japanese antifreeze in it - this does not mix with most of the stuff sold over here and can cause clogging of the cooling system. Far better to drain all the old stuff out, flush the system, refill and bleed properly.

I was only trying to help the less technical amongst us to get instant protection, engines with alloy heads generally use the same antifreeze as opposed to older vehicles with steel heads, Yes its always better to drain flush and refill but tbh if your vans not protected down to -10 then there ain't much antifreeze in the system anyways jap or uk, i'd rather mix as a temp fix and know that its protected rather than have to pay to have coreplugs refitted or a new radiator after the frozen water has split it wide open.

when i checked mine back in sept it was covered to -15 so i drained the header filled it up with neat antifreeze took it for a drive then when i retested it the following day it was covered down to -35.

[Northern Bongolow]

just been reading about car batteries freezing on a canadian webby thing .
apparantly a partially discharged battery can freeze.and a near flat one will certainly freeze.
the good news is that a healthy,fully charged one is safe. just sumat else to worry about

[mikexgough]

just been reading about car batteries freezing on a canadian webby thing .
apparantly a partially discharged battery can freeze.and a near flat one will certainly freeze.
the good news is that a healthy,fully charged one is safe. just sumat else to worry about

But the Canadians, like the Japanese...... do Preventative Maintainence and replace the likes of coolant/batteries/wiper blades/oils at set intervals.....not when you think they need changing.....when they fail....which seems to be the British way..... Hence all the non starters and roadside breakdowns... I know the life span of my batteries...(I use the Gtee length) and change at the end of Gtee period.....so my LB needs doing in the Spring and the Starter in September 2012. Coolant July 2012.....you get the drift.....unless I need to change the coolant in the mean time of course

[mikexgough]

Whoa If it's a fresh import, it may well have the original Japanese antifreeze in it - this does not mix with most of the stuff sold over here and can cause clogging of the cooling system. Far better to drain all the old stuff out, flush the system, refill and bleed properly.

I was only trying to help the less technical amongst us to get instant protection, engines with alloy heads generally use the same antifreeze as opposed to older vehicles with steel heads, Yes its always better to drain flush and refill but tbh if your vans not protected down to -10 then there ain't much antifreeze in the system anyways jap or uk, i'd rather mix as a temp fix and know that its protected rather than have to pay to have coreplugs refitted or a new radiator after the frozen water has split it wide open.

when i checked mine back in sept it was covered to -15 so i drained the header filled it up with neat antifreeze took it for a drive then when i retested it the following day it was covered down to -35.

Good "Get you out of trouble" tip..... and as you say be mindful of coolant type and never never Use Halfords Universal Coolants or the like......if you MUST add some coolant as a "Get you home" then use a G12+ type( Comma Red or Car Plan Red) as it will safely mix with all types, but the caveat is the Long life Properties are negated if mixed....and get your coolant from a decent car shop or best of all a Motor Factor trade counter....

[bigdaddycain]

just been reading about car batteries freezing on a canadian webby thing .
apparantly a partially discharged battery can freeze.and a near flat one will certainly freeze.
the good news is that a healthy,fully charged one is safe. just sumat else to worry about

But the Canadians, like the Japanese...... do Preventative Maintainence and replace the likes of coolant/batteries/wiper blades/oils at set intervals.....not when you think they need changing.....when they fail....which seems to be the British way..... Hence all the non starters and roadside breakdowns... I know the life span of my batteries...(I use the Gtee length) and change at the end of Gtee period.....so my LB needs doing in the Spring and the Starter in September 2012. Coolant July 2012.....you get the drift.....unless I need to change the coolant in the mean time of course

Plenty of canadians wrap their batteries with an electric blanket too! (no i'm not joking) A very cold battery, even if fully charged only gives 30% of it's capability compared to "normal" temps.