I'm going to be taking a long road trip and want to do a coolant flush on my rx8, before I leave. I'm just over 50k and believe the coolant is original.

I did some searching a while ago and believe I read that Ethylene Glycol (The green stuff) is OK for our vehicle? I wouldn't have any problems if I flushed the system and put that in? Or should I just pony up the extra dough and buy the stuff the dealership recommends (FE22, i believe they said)?

Is 3 gallons enough, or should I buy more?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

 

the green Prestone stuff is perfectly fine. I flush my coolant out every summer.
Remember that you need some distilled water in there as well, unless you're buying the pre-mixed 50/50 blend.

OEM uses 60% coolant, 40% water
depending on where you live and how hot it gets there, I'd recommend using more water then coolant. I use 70% water, 30% coolant.

 

Thank you for the quick reply.

I live in Buffalo, NY now but am moving to Phoenix, AZ in about a week. Recommend 60%c/40%w still, or bump it up alittle bit?

Thanks again,
Michael

 

Michael: from NY to AZ: that's quite the weather change you'll be experiencing.
The good news is that the AZ RX-8 scene is quite active so you'll be in good hands with those guys. you should look at registering on www.azmazdaclub.com

considering the rise in temperatures you'll see this summer, I'd definitely go with more water in the system.
something similar to a 70% water, 30% coolant, and a bottle of Water Wetter should do the trick.
You might also consider some cooling mods down the road but flushing the system out is a good start

 

Great info, you are an asset to the board.

I appreciate your insight, and will go with your recommendations.

 

Yeah....he is an ASSet! Just kidding Jorge!

I was a little surprised you didn't go into the FULL on method of doing the coolant flush!
But............I'm sure "nycgps" will be in here real soon to elaborate!

Yep...............70/30 will do it, and add the water wetter.

 

I just do what I can.

Thanks Mike.
haha, how did I know you'd be in here bustin' my chops.
I was hoping to leave a little something for you guys to contribute and I know how much NYCGPS loves to do coolant flushes so I didn't want to steal his thunder.
If he doesn't show up soon, maybe I will just have to link the coolant DIY.
what's new Dave? anything exciting going on in your neck of the woods?

 

Why is my name everywhere? Seriously lol

Regular prestone 50\50 will be fine. If u want to save a few bux, buy 100% coolant and mix it with distilled water

 

And whats wrong with lots of coolant flush???? I ONLY flushed mine 3 times last year lol

 

Nuttin exciting here...........all quite on the Eastern front! Working like a dog and then trying to get on the forum now and then to help out a little and for the entertainment and learning experience.

 

Because your reputation proceeds you?

Don't worry.....for the most part it's a good one!

 

Ya know............I need to start doing this at least once a year! I've really only been doing it every two.

Then again with 4 years on the car and only 25k miles, that not too terribly bad.

 

what reputation ? I told people to do their own f-ing homework & search then people starts called me an a-hole ... Grrrr ...



Well, thats not so bad.

I know there is no point to do a coolant flush 3 times a year. I probably had too much free time lol. well, to be honest I was just testing different brand of coolant, it seems that Prestone cools a bit better than Peak, and Peak is better than "Autozone" brand (duh?).

Prestone is about 1-3 Celsius cooler than Peak. it could be just "different day/weather" thinggy, But hmm.

and Autozone's brand is just ... grr, 3-5 Celsius hotter. I mean if you dont have a Gauge you probably can't tell.

Anybody can call me BS all they want. but it is what it is.

 

*******!

beers