Technical Antifreeze

[cjmackie007]

Can anyone assist with advising what antifreeze I should put in a 2003 2.8 JTD Ducato. The handbook says Paraflu, but a visit to Eurocarparts only revealed a choice based on colour antifreeze and the assistant just said put in same as you already have. The trouble is the coolant has no particular colour.
I have been told I should use blue but no idea if this is correct.
Also, is there a drain on the radiator to drain off existing coolant and fill with fresh ? Or do I just remove the bottom hose.
Thanks

 

[corcai]

You can use either if you've flushed it very thoroughly but you can't mix them as some organic acids in OAT coolants can react badly with silicate coolant e.g. 2-EHA.

Paraflu UP (Red) is an OAT based coolant.
Paraflu II (Blue) is silicate based.

OAT coolants typically last much longer - up to 5 years.

You will also see hybrid Si-OAT coolants (often violet, shocking pink) like the old vw g12+ that theoretically provide the best of both types. The g12+ stuff comes out almost the same as it went in after 5 years.

 

[cjmackie007]

Thanks that's useful information, i think I'll go for the blue.
Do you know if there is a drain off on the engine ?