Changing from tap water to coolant is a good idea?

[murtazamohammad54]

I need help on wether or not I should use coolant on my 1998 Honda Civic exi. If so then what brand coolant is best?

[sleeper]

Yes, u should use coolant always

Water causes rust in the cooling system and eventually fail it.

Wait for others here who can tell u about coolant brand

[anon35615524]

Of course, you should always use coolant. Please get rid of plain water / tap water ASAP.

For Honda, you may use Honda Coolant.

[anon35615524]

Caltex Coolant is also good. In the applications / PDS, it has been written that:

Havoline Xtended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is recommended for use in Japanese gasoline automobiles, SUVs and Pickup trucks (page 2/5)

Source: https://www.caltex.com/pk/motorists/products/havoline-xtended-life-antifreeze-coolant-concentrate.havoline-cars.coolants.html

PDS: https://cglapps.chevron.com/sdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=408996&docFormat=PDF

Since Honda is a Japanese brand, so this coolant can be used.

My personal suggestion would be to go for Havoline Coolant.

[murtazamohammad54]

Thank you for sharing such thorough details I will definitely flush the system and change to havoline coolant.

[anon35615524]

My pleasure dear brother.

For using this coolant, please thoroughly read the product data sheet (I have shared the link above), and strictly comply with it, so that you do not face any issues.

[murtazamohammad54]

@basitali87 will it be compatible with my cooling system since I don't know the required coolant for my vehicle.

[anon35615524]

Brother you own

1998 Honda Civic exi

And the product data sheet says that Havoline Xtended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is recommended for use in Japanese gasoline automobiles.

So IMO, it should work fine, as both complement each other.

[zserfvd12]

Do a radiator flush before pouring coolant. Liqui moly radiator cleaner is good. Costs around 1000 Rs

[zserfvd12]

1. Previous owner of my car was using tap water in Radiator. It caused rust in Radiator and heater pipes. Eventually, my car heater turned ineffective. I had to carry out through servicing of entire system. So "MUST" use coolant, bcz apart from anti-freeze and anti-rust properties, it is also free of any impurities
2. Secondly, it's preferable to get a pre-mixed coolant. If you don't, then only add distilled water(used for batteries). Not even mineral water, as it has other elements apart from H2O. Also consider ZIC coolant.

[umairjamil6]

Its better to get a concentrated one not premixed. Its cheaper and some water is left in the system which cant be drained out easily. With premixed it becomes too thin

[zserfvd12]

I have recently flush my car's radiator. I bough 4L Pre-Mixed Toyota Super Long Life Coolant for Rs 3200. Good quality concentrated coolants were aval at a little less price of around 1200 - 1300 for one litre. After adding the price of Distilled water, the final cost was more or less the same. So i choosed a pre-mixed coolant. Cheaper alternatives were aval but i didn't opt for it as a good quality coolant lasts for atleast 5 years or even more.

[murtazamohammad54]

@zserfvd12 should I just flush my radiator without removing the thermostat valve?. Since only flushing the radiator would leave some water in the system. I am also uncertain if I will be able to remove and fit it back properly.

[murtazamohammad54]

I have read numerous comments on how people messed up their engine flush by leaving citric acid inside for a longer time. Without removing the thermostat means some chemical flush would be left inside.

[capsat]

this happens to your vehicle water pump (aka WTAA BADEE) when you use water

[sleeper]

Damn....eaten away

Check this one with full coolant use for 120k km

[zserfvd12]

I did it with Thermostat valve and proceeded as under:-
1. Poured in Liqui-Moly Radiator Cleaner.
2. Started the engine, turned on blower and Heater at max setting.
3. Idled for about 20-30 mins.
4. Turned off engine and allowed it to be cooled a little.
5. Drained all water from:-
............ Radiator by opening drain plug
............ Engine Block by opening inlet and outlet hoses
............ Expansion tank
6. Blowed into the radiator in an attempt to take out max water.
7. Closed plug and all hoses (Except expansion bottle)
8. Filled in Plain water for flushing
9. Repeated the procedure "Thrice" by idling 10-15 mins each time
10. Made all connections, fitted expansion tank and poured the Coolant.

........... After only one flush, foam from residual additive could be noticed but after repeated flushing, it all cleared out. You may do it any number of times till you've achieved your peace of mind. Whole process took about 2 hours.

[murtazamohammad54]

@zserfvd12 thank you for such detailed explaination, I just had a few questions
1) the inlet and outlet hoses connected to the radiator?
2) If you add cool water to a hot engine wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?
3) Should I be prepared for leakages in the system? It runs fine at the moment with no leaks

Thank you for sharing your opinions!

[murtazamohammad54]

@capsat thank you for sharing! It is very clear that the water messed up everything inside.

[zserfvd12]

1. Hoses connected to Engine Block
2. Let the engine cool down. Its normal operating temp is around 90 Degree Centigrade (Corolla)
3. No leakages if parts are in good condition
4. You know the procedure, better is to get the work done from a trusted mechanic. He will be having all necessary tools and experience. Just set a suitable time, instruct him and pay him labour charges.