Paraflu

[mangocrazy]

At some point in the near(ish) future I'll be draining and re-filling the coolong system on the Spider. I'm intending to use Paraflu and hang the expense - I presume it's the blue stuff (Paraflu 11) I go for? That seems to be the type that is recommended/preferred for older vehicles with cast iron blocks, I believe?

[WestonE]

Graham

the blue antifreeze has a 2 year life and is more tolerant of seals. Modern pink/red organic acid Anti Freeze has a 5 year life and can attack older seals. I actually use organic acid AF Halford's Advanced but this is a risk you do not need to take.

Eric

[Thotos]

I thought Paraflu 11 is the trade name for the Fiat 'standard' ethylene glycol anti freeze (http://www.selenia.fi/pdf/1674_scat_ENG.pdf). So any good quality blue antifreeze should do just as well.

[mangocrazy]

Cheers, Gents. I've been doing some digging around, as Paraflu 11 (blue) is not easy to obtain and expensive. I've always regarded Comma products as good quality and reasonably priced, so I wrote to their technical department asking what would be suitable for Betas. Here is my enquiry:

I own a 1980 Lancia Beta Spider and need to change the antifreeze/coolant. The recommended Fiat/Lancia coolant is Paraflu 11 (Blue), but is difficult to get hold of. What would be the equivalent antifreeze/coolant in the Comma range? The engine (NA 1995cc 4-cyl DOHC) has a cast iron block and aluminium cylinder head.

And here is their reply:

Thank you for your enquiry regarding our products.
One important thing to note is that the colour is only a dye – it gives no definitive indication of the technology on which the product is based
Our most suitable product for you would be the Comma Xstream G48, a silicate inhibitor technology based product, very similar to that recommended by the manufacturer.
For your information I have attached the safety and technical data information from this product.

Comma Xstream G48 antifreeze is quite widely available, and a 5 llitre bottle of concentrated solution retails at about £25. The manufacturers quote a 3 year life.

[smithymc]

I'm at the same stage of needing to drain and refill mine when doing the water pump in the next few weeks.

Is the consensus that paraflu is the way to go? Does seem pricey but better safe that sorry I suppose.

Mark

[Neil-yaj396]

I've always used Bluecol with no problems. I normally change it every other year.

[Ryan]

I've used the standard off the shelf automotive grade coolant (green here in the states) in a 50/50mix with distilled water for over a decade without worry.  A flush and fill every other year or so helps too.

R