Wayne wrote on 19. Sep 2007 at 00:16:


You won't need a jack to reach the rain plug, it's on the passenger side of the rad  - at the bottom. You might need some pliers to undo it the first time .. I did.

Yes when you have clean water in the system just drain off what you can from the drain plug (which will be about a gallon) and then add all your 5l can of antifreeze - after you've tightened the drain plug up again though!      

Not a fan of any of the Castrol oils, never have been.  I think their TV advertising is better than their product.  To quote a family member who designs cars "best flush for engine is Castrol GTX, as it doesn't last so you'll need to drop it out again quick"

Seeing as Vauxhalls own semi synth is around £8 per 5l, bit of a no brainer really.  The Vauxhall stuff is pretty good, and goes in all my cars (2 Omegas, 1 Rover, the Kawasaki, and even the lawnmower)....

You need to double check what oil filter your car uses - up to 1998 its normally a spin on type (£1.40 ish from dealer on TC), from 1999 normally paper element (£4.50 ish from dealer on TC).

You can get a TC card for £20, so pays for itself straight away.

TheBoy wrote on 19. Sep 2007 at 09:19:


?? prices 4r$e about face?

Andy B wrote on 19. Sep 2007 at 11:01:

Nope, the 'eco friendly' disposable paper element are 3 times the cost of the spin on filters....

Just about to attempt the "coolant" change!

wish me luck!

my dads mate is doing my oil change as i cannot physically get under my car to change oil filter, plus he`s  GREAT MECHANIC and im just Lazy, ha ha ha

still waiting for someone to offer to do my ROCK GASKETS and BREATHER SYSTEM....please!!

bought all my bits this morning from VX in Oxford

Thanks mate!
i got your PM, but desperate to get it done today, but thanks anyway buddy
will come see you next time when it needs doing

how often should i do a coolant flush and change do you all think?
after how many miles?
also, how about oil changes.... how frequent?

i bought some RED Antifreeze from VX in Oxford today, and i ordered a NEW Rear windscreen wiper arm with VX wiper blade, even though my blade is 2 days old made by Bosch!
want to see IF the VX blades are any better

anyway, the antifreeze cost me £11.39 for the 5 litre container
the wiper arm and blade cost me £23.44

i have just come indoors from doing the 1st stage of my 1st coolant flush, im very proud of myself  
i tried to get the radiator plug out and it wouldnt come off, so bit of WD40 cured that!
im not sure IF its ever had a coolant flush, no way for me to check, i know it hasnt had one done since i have had the car in 5 years!
i drained all the horrid blue gunk out etc, then flushed it and re-filled it another 4 times, infact after the 3rd attempt the water was nice and clear anyway.... then i filled it up again and added the Forte coolant flush and run the car for 35 minutes with the heater on Maximum while i had a cuppa
will now leave the car for a good 90 minutes to cool down (should be enough?)
will then empty again and refill and flush 2 more times, just incase!
then its time to add the new antifreeze, add the full 5 litres in 1 go ?
does that sound about right?

let me know IF what i have done so far sounds hunky dory?

my dads mate has ordered the other parts for my oil change
genuine VX oil filter, and i have chosen 10w/40 Castrol Magnatec, my choice i know and my preference

just need to get an annoying 4 inch spot of rust done on the rear drivers side passenger door near the window and im all done, well............ errrr..........for now!

strangely, that burning oily rubbery smell isnt as strong!
dont know whats happened, seems to be less noticeable
i would really love to know about my rocker gaskets and IF they are all ok


Laters guys  

Bet you didn't run the engine between flushes.......  

By draining/filling you only get half the water out.  The remainder is still within the engine block and system and needs the engine run for a wee bit to circulate the water.  That dilutes the mix to a paler shade.  Drain, refill, restart and circulate then drain again... and again ... and again.   Then it will run clear, drain, refill and away you go....