Constant control
The coolant level in the expansion tank in the engine compartment should be checked regularly, even in vehicles with an automatic control system.
The coolant level can only be accurately checked with the engine off.
In a locking cap (1) expansion tank (2) with the coolant there are high and low pressure valves. There is a fluid level mark on the front of the reservoir (3), it is indicated by an arrow with the inscription «cold/hot».
The coolant level is clearly visible even from the outside in the transparent expansion tank with the lid closed. With a cold engine, its level should be slightly above the marking «cold».
When the engine is warm, the coolant level rises and falls again when the engine cools.
Adding coolant
A noticeable loss of coolant is a sign of some kind of violation or defect. Coolant is not consumed and cannot evaporate in a closed cooling system. Sometimes, when the engine overheats, some coolant can be pressed against the locking cap. What to do in the event of a loss of coolant is described later in this chapter.
There is a danger of scalding if you open the shut-off cap of the cooling system when the engine is hot, so be extremely careful:
- With a gloved hand or a cloth, slowly open the cap first one turn and release the excess pressure in the cooling system. Only then unscrew the cap completely.
- If you're only adding water, you're gradually diluting the antifreeze, so add some antifreeze all at once.
- Do not add coolant above the mark (see previous section); coolant expands when heated and the excess will be expelled from the system.
- You can add small amounts of liquid to the expansion tank both with a warm and cold engine.
- With a significant loss of fluid and a hot engine, do not add cold fluid to the expansion tank. Due «cold shock» the cylinder head may be deformed or the engine may burst.
Tip: You will not please your cooling system by pouring decalcified, rain, distilled (condensed) or desalted (ion exchange) water. These types of water are more corrosive than normal, low-lime drinking water, because they do not contain natural neutralizing substances.
Antifreeze
In the cooling system, not only purified water provides the necessary engine cooling, but a mixture of water, antifreeze and anti-corrosion agent. Therefore, it is more accurate to speak of a coolant or a coolant. The ratio of elements in the mixture for European conditions is 2:3, in the Nordic countries 1:1.
Because filling volumes in our models differ slightly from each other, then take 2.5 liters of antifreeze for frost resistance to -25°C and add about 4.5 liters of water. If frost resistance is desired down to -35°C, use 3.5 liters of antifreeze and then top up with water.
The antifreeze is usually ethylene glycol, an alcohol-based liquid that does not evaporate or volatilize. Just like frost protection, corrosion protection is also important in the coolant, preventing the formation of scale, rust and other corrosion products in the cooling system, which, being poor heat conductors, reduce cooling - the engine can overheat. Therefore, the anti-corrosion coolant filled in at the factory in the spring must not be drained and replaced with clean water. Although antifreeze impairs heat transfer, on the other hand, it increases the boiling point by about 5°C.
Every butcher praises his sausage, which is why Opel recommends its own antifreeze with the general specification GMEL 6368 for all engines. At this point, we don't believe in the brand so much and would take any antifreeze that contains anti-corrosion additives. Products from different manufacturers can be mixed without fear. But for safety's sake, check each manufacturer's respective blend chart.
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