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Servicing a watercooled car - help?

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tofufi South West Posts: 1,457	Servicing a watercooled car - help?tofufi @tofufi
	Apr 13, 2007 15:52:49 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I'm meant to be servicing a 1.2 nova next week for a friend, I've only ever worked on aircooled stuff before so radiators are new to me Should I do a radiator flush on it - I don't know how long since it's been serviced but I think it was a long time ago. The engine smells a bit scorchy after being run. Is it as simple as this: ga.essortment.com/flushcarsradia_rfjd.htm makes out? Different websites seem to offer conflicting advice.. www.ehow.com/how_1861_change-radiator-fluid.html Just stick a hose in and wait a few minutes basically? Is there anything to be careful about so as to not cause air blocks etc in the thing? Also, how much should I be paying for coolant? Finally, has anyone experience of doing a service on a 1.2 nova - anything to look out for or awkward bits? I've no idea where the radiator cap is on a nova but I expect it will be covered in the Haynes. What sort of oil should I be using - 10/40 or 20/50? or something else Thanks - I'm just a bit nervous about doing work on a modern (1992!) car that isn't mine


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PhoenixC Posted a lot Posts: 4,423	Servicing a watercooled car - help?PhoenixC @phoenixc
	Apr 13, 2007 17:07:30 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Is it just an oil and filter service you are giving it. Most of those engines always seem like they run a bit hot even though the gauge says normal. Its often worth checking the fan switch to make sure its working okay as well. Might be worthwhile changing the thermostat but if I rememer correctly its behind the timing belt so you would have to replace the belt at the same time. According to autodata 15w/40 oil for a moderate climate and 6.1 litres of coolant. So you will want to get 2 to 3 litres of anti freeze. (I always by 20 litre containers so I have no idea how much it is at the minute in lower quantities)
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tofufi South West Posts: 1,457	Servicing a watercooled car - help?tofufi @tofufi
	Apr 13, 2007 18:20:02 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Cheers - yes just a basic service I think. I think she said it had a timing belt done at some point, but I don't even know if they have them? I've never seen the fan come on, although we tested by connecting the wires together and the fan does work It didn't smell scorchy in the cold weather, only in the recent warmer weather - so perhaps the thermostat/ switch may be broken. Is there any way of telling for sure? Presumably replacing the timing belt is a rather more involved process, as would replacing the thermostat be? Thanks for the help / advice


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Stu Posted a lot Posts: 2,913	Servicing a watercooled car - help?Stu @stu
	Apr 13, 2007 20:15:54 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	All I can remember from my sister's old B-reg Nova 1.2 is that I'm sure the oil filter had a left hand thread for some reason! Don't quote me on that, could be wrong - but have a look at the new filter and check which way the thread goes before you start scratching your head when the old one won't undo off the engine!
	'89 BMW E30 325i Sport, '04 MINI Cooper S, '09 Volvo V70 D5

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tofufi South West Posts: 1,457	Servicing a watercooled car - help?tofufi @tofufi
	Apr 14, 2007 7:15:54 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Thanks for the tip - fingers crossed I remember Anyone know for definite about cleaning out radiators then?


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