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Old 05 May 2014 | 08:21 AM
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Default Engine coolant

What coolant should I put in a 2002 wrx? . Do you fill at the radiator cap or the header tank near the turbo? Thanks
Old 05 May 2014 | 09:45 AM
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You should always fill via the turbo cooling pipe if you're doing a complete coolant change. Do a search for the method on here, it's very easy to do. You'll not get any air locks that way.

As for coolant itself, I used a 50/50 mix. I'm sure someone will be along to recommend brands soon. I used blue coolant from Euro Car Parts, it met all the requirements.
Old 05 May 2014 | 10:01 AM
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Iv read about disconnecting the pipe that leads down towards the turbo and filling that first. Ill do a good search first but struggling with brands ect . I am also looking at the euro car parts blue coolant.
Old 05 May 2014 | 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ssl2000
Iv read about disconnecting the pipe that leads down towards the turbo and filling that first. Ill do a good search first but struggling with brands ect . I am also looking at the euro car parts blue coolant.
Red would be better imo. It generally doesnt require changing so often
Old 05 May 2014 | 10:39 AM
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I honestly can't remember why I chose the blue stuff over the red, but there was a reason.
Old 05 May 2014 | 11:10 AM
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5 litres Halfords advanced coolant concentrated.
Optional 5 litres distilled water (halfords)
Mix 50/50 should use around 7 1/2 litres.

Might be worth running a hose through to wash out any old antifreeze thats in the system.
Refill via the turbo pipe with a funnel in the pipe until it backward fills so the header tank fills.
Heaters on hot too.

Last edited by maydew; 05 May 2014 at 11:11 AM.
Old 05 May 2014 | 11:51 AM
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Nice one thanks
Old 05 May 2014 | 01:43 PM
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Sediment builds up in the bottom of the Rad and heater matrix. Reverse the flush several times, even better take the rad out fill it up while holding your hand over the bottom pipe and give it a shake. You'll be surprised how much crap comes out.
Ive just invested in 8 litres of Motul inaugel expert, even the water in Essex is hard
Old 05 May 2014 | 02:05 PM
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Seems to be many varying opinions on this
Old 05 May 2014 | 02:19 PM
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There is indeed mate. My opinion is drain system, flush system, mix 50/50 coolant and refill via turbo pipe. It's up to you which brand of coolant you use. I used euro car parts blue coolant which is what they recommended at the time. It's been in my car a year with no issues.
Old 05 May 2014 | 02:40 PM
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The colour of coolant isn't to important. As it's a dye and can change from each manufacturer. Make sure the coolant is okay for use in Aluminium engine's. Also the A/F Content. If its a winter coolant change, Add extra antifreeze, Such as fricofin. Got mine from Opie oil's
Old 05 May 2014 | 05:34 PM
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What about subaru engine conditioner thats recommended?
Old 05 May 2014 | 05:47 PM
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Not sure myself, I only stumbled across that today myself. If you're going down that route you might as well get the Subaru coolant too.
Old 05 May 2014 | 06:02 PM
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I tried finding the Subaru coolant with no luck so ill just go with the Halfords advanced and distilled water . I think you can look too far into things sometimes. I doubt the previous owner bothered with a particular coolant anyway
Old 05 May 2014 | 06:17 PM
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Distilled water is a bit of overkill. In all honesty, how much lime scale can come out of seven litres of even the hardest water?

In a system with FLOW and constant replacement, yes, but in a closed system? Waste of dosh.
Old 05 May 2014 | 06:31 PM
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Tap water all the way!
Old 05 May 2014 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by alcazar
Distilled water is a bit of overkill. In all honesty, how much lime scale can come out of seven litres of even the hardest water?

In a system with FLOW and constant replacement, yes, but in a closed system? Waste of dosh.
overkillfor £2.99 for 5 litres of distilled water from halfords is all it costs ,sure we have spent that on air fresheners?. i do and always have if not just for the extra container to mix it with for ease and storage .

i use it in the intercooler spray bottle too and the washer bottle for how much it gets used as it stops the stagnant smell.

when asked i always recommend halfords antifreeze just out off ease for everyone to get hold off it.

Last edited by maydew; 05 May 2014 at 11:20 PM.
Old 05 May 2014 | 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ssl2000
What about subaru engine conditioner thats recommended?
Dont bother its relabelled holts radweld if remember rightly.
Old 06 May 2014 | 06:26 AM
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Ok nice one cheers !
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