Antifreeze Check

[garrytheskate]

'84 T25 1.9 petrol
Had the van since August and now with the winter coming on I want to check the antifreeze. How do I check if there is the right amount of antifreeze in the system?.
On another point is it a good idea to put a couple of say ping pong balls in the fresh water tank to prevent damage to the tank if any residue water freezes?

[CovKid]

Difficult to guage. Its usually a vibrant colour if its the correct strength. If you have any doubt, you could always get somes of the red stuff from Euro Car Parts (about £17 for five litres) and replenish. If strength is right you definately won't need ping pong balls as its a 50/50 mix.

[marlinowner]

Are we talking about a fresh water tank for camping? If so there is only a possible problem with pipes etc if they are full of water and freeze solid. Residual water in the tank should be OK.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Antifreeze testers are cheap enough to buy - no need to guess.

[CovKid]

I've got one but it doesn't tell you the strength, only whether its adequate to protect against freezing. The wasserboxer, requiring a 50/50 mix, is outside the norm.

[garrytheskate]

'84 T25 1.9 petrol camper
Thanks for the replies. I bought a tester but it only tells you to what temp you have protection to. Also how do I know if the antifreeze in the system is suitable for the engine.

[CovKid]

Long life antifreeze tends to be pink, the short-term stuff, blue. Check its not rust you're seeing in the water if it looks orange. Its not too bad a job filling up with new stuff although bleeding can take a while unless you get the revs up. From personal experience, I think its one of those areas where "If in doubt, throw it out" holds true. That would certainly be true if you can't tell whats in it or its past is a bit hazy. The red/pink stuff will give you five years protection so for the cost, its cheap enough really. Remember, you need 8 litres of antofreeze in there (neat) then the rest is water. To make sure, after draining, I add the antifreeze first, then top up with water. The system will soon mix it.