retcav1sg

Received maint docs. on the car I bought this week (more about that in another thread). My quick question is, the radiator was replaced so obviously the coolant was also replaced fairly recently (time and mileage wise). Problem is the coolant is green and the maint. doc says Glycol as the type of coolant. I was under the impression the coolant should be pink (that was the color in my 84). The work was done by a reputable shop that deals exclusively with European cars so you would think they would put the correct stuff in. Do I need to flush and refill with the pink stuff. I've done a search and that only adds to the confusion.
TIA

linderpat

The more important point is that you do not mix different types of solutions. I only use Zerex G-05 in my Porsche, and it is gold in color. Don't worry about the green stuff that's in there now, just don't let it sit in there for a long time. Perform regular reflushes, and at the next one, make sure you flush it well, then use Zerex.

SwayBar

Get some of these coolant test strips:

FredR

Ethylene glycol is colourless. The coolant I use is green in colour and nothing wrong with it. I am not 100% sure what the colour is but I expect it is a dye. I am not aware of any component that changes colour with acidity but coolant has a finite life albeit some modern formulations last much longer than others. Typically with age coolant goes acidic and then can do a lot of damage. Coolant typically contains anti corrosion chemical packages that eventually loose their effectiveness and thus why time based changes are needed. I suspect it is OK to leave the stuff in there for about 4 years but I tend to change mine every 2 years or throw a bottle of Redline water wetter in after two years service to get the benefit of the anti corrosion chemical package it contains and then change after 4 years. This is my preferred scenario but I have had difficult getting hold of the stuff recently.

retcav1sg

It's only been in the car for a little over a year so I guess I'll leave it alone...Thanks

Bertrand Daoust

Don't worry about the coolant for now.

Like others have said, it's fresh so no problem keeping it.