Antifreeze change

Planning to do a change of my antifreeze since I don't have any idea of what was changed and when in the history of the car. I've seen threads about what colour you should use or whether the colour even means anything. Anyway, after I drain all the old stuff out should I flush out the whole system with water before I put the new stuff in? I read that mixing types can lead to problems, forming a gel, causing corrosion etc.

So my plan of action was undo the bottom hose, drain, then fill with water and drain again, then put the new stuff in. Is this overkill? Also is it worthwhile avoiding putting the cheapest stuff I can get in and spending a few extra quid on something like this Halford's OAT stuff or any other recommendations?

Cheers!

Oh and it's a 300tdi.

Clean it out and then yu can use what you want. OAT is good stuff , but designed primarily for Aluminium block engines.

So the silicate IAT stuff would probably be better then, I think.

finallysnapped said:

So the silicate IAT stuff would probably be better then, I think.

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What ever u use if you are changing antifreeze 'flush' the system, drain and refill with plain water, run the engine to circulate and then drain again, I did that three times when I changed over to OAT antifreeze after running on the Rover stuff.
OAT has a five year life span so no need to replace the coolent again for five years, brilliant.

Just done this to my v8 after fitting a new rad,
My local motor factors told me that my disco should be running pink stuff,
The old coolant was green, so flushed the system through with a hose till it all runs clear,
The refilled and bled the pink stuff,
Lasts 5 years !

When you drain the system remember there's a brass plug on the LH side of the block forward of the turbo, it's a b****r to get at but worth while since you will then empty the block. This will help you to flush the system.

OldDiscoMan
300tdi