22 replies to this topic

[the_r_sole]

can anyone say what the haynes manual says please?? i've got a 96' spi and i'm more than 100 miles from my manual!! was going to go to halford and waste some money today!

[Ethel]

It won't say much as there were only 2 choices for most of the Mini's life - both usable.


"If this is not available, use an ethylene glycol based
anti-freeze, containing no methanol with
non-phosphate corrosion inhibitors suitable for use
in mixed metal engines", so sayeth Rover.

[miniman24]

I just used water from the tap in my coolant system, as does my dads jeep which has done hundreds of thousands of miles with just tap water and antifreeze, no probs. Not damaging the engine am I?

[starletman]

I just used water from the tap in my coolant system, as does my dads jeep which has done hundreds of thousands of miles with just tap water and antifreeze, no probs. Not damaging the engine am I?

+1.The a series was designed to have water in it.Add anti freeze if your not sure what type to use just add vodka.

[M44K TS]

If you use water only, you run the risk of rust forming in the water galleries, antifreeze has rust inhibitors in it amongst other things to protect the engine block.

[sonikk4]

If you use water only, you run the risk of rust forming in the water galleries, antifreeze has rust inhibitors in it amongst other things to protect the engine block.

The major problem is the rust building up in the radiator effectively reducing its cooling capabilities leading to over heating. Been there done that. Also it will start to block the water galleries again reducing flow etc. You will need to flush the engine using a good quality flushing compound to remove as much of the build up as possible. If you are lucky you will not have done too much damage.

Engines have anti freeze in them for a reason, by not using it can cause severe problems. Worst case scenario especially with the extremely cold weather we have had recently could be a split block, ruptured radiator etc. Its also acts as coolant during the summer months so again possible overheating can be a problem.

[maggies_minder]

as above in the summer it increasing the waters boiling point so you dont over heat.

[miniman24]

I do use the correct ratio of antifreeze at all times, sorry if that wasn't clear