My radiator was replaced about four years ago. I cannot find the guy who did it. I recall reading somewhere that you should not use "regular" coolant in an aluminum radiator as it causes corrosion. I need to put some in , does anyone know the type I should use ?

Michael Mangan

 

Original XJS radiators use plain jane green coolant. If yours is a newer aluminum radiator, I would do a full flush and use either Prestone extended life or even Peaks extended life coolant.

 

I wouldn't have thought that it would make that difference would it?
It's an all alloy block with all alloy heads; if the engine was iron then I could see the aluminium radiator acting as a sacrificial anode but I don't think that would be so much of a problem in this case.
What did the racing guys use?

 

FWIW I've used old fashioned green Prestone in all my Jags. If something bad was supposed to happen, it never did.

Not sure that an aluminum rad requires anything different.

Cheers
DD

 

I also replaced my radiator with an aluminum unit - only about a year ago though so too soon to tell - but I also used regular "green" antifreeze. I'd be really surprised if it had any bad effects, but if I'm wrong I hope someone will let us know.

 

I use the ZERTEK Z05. I understood it was preferred for reduced water pump seal lubrication.

 

Green or Blue traditional coolants are Ok, steer clear of the Red OAT stuff though.

 

Anything that states compatible with aluminum. Remember the whole engine's cooling system and block and heads are aluminum, not just the radiator. As specified above, all but red are aluminum compatible. Just do not put a sealer in system that has to be shaken or heated before hand.

 

You mean don't use Barr's leaks at EVERY service....well I never