Had the letter box open - bonnet... (1 Viewer)

Fletton

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Noticed the coolant level is below min marker... Moho is 18mths old so not due for any kind of dealer/Fiat service...

It's been a long time since I faffed with engines, having had company cars for the last 25yrs of working life...

Apart from having to be a Gynaecologist to do anything on A Class engines.... Does one need to use "special" fluid or particular anitfreeze nowadays?... the liquid in tank is pink..

Or can I just top up with water like we used to do many years ago?
 

sewinlynne2

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Noticed the coolant level is below min marker... Moho is 18mths old so not due for any kind of dealer/Fiat service...

It's been a long time since I faffed with engines, having had company cars for the last 25yrs of working life...

Apart from having to be a Gynaecologist to do anything on A Class engines.... Does one need to use "special" fluid or particular anitfreeze nowadays?... the liquid in tank is pink..

Or can I just top up with water like we used to do many years ago?
Don't put water in it! Its not bad for it in a way but all it will do will be to dilute the antifreeze component in it so it wont be as effective at lower minus temperatures. The 'pink' stuff is dedicated engine coolant. Not only does it contain an antifreeze but also a corrosion inhibitor to prevent parts gunking up in the system, Now, not all coolants are equal. Different colours are red, pink, orange, green,yellow and blue and they are all different. best to contact the dealer you got it from for guidance as to which fluid to buy-usually cheaper to elsewhere when you know what it is. Is there a label anywhere under the bonnet identifying it at all? It is important to get the right one. Some are for use with aluminium engine and ancillary parts, some for steel.
 
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Fletton

Fletton

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@sewinlynne2 Thanks ....
I suspected that might be the case...

I will open the letterbox and have a gander for any labels or clues.... when dawn breaks :)

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Munchie

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Yes it's a 2015 Fiat 2.3 manual :)

Edit: BTW supplied Fiat handbook is in German :(

My handbook was in French, i contacted Fiat to buy an English version, they supplied one free! They will ask for copy of V5!

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Fletton

Fletton

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Just wondered how far down from the level it was ?

@gus-lopez Not a massive amount.. Oh!.. and it appears to be more orange than pink.. :xdoh:
IMG_2959.JPG
 
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You say the van is only 18 months old, should have had an oil change and fluid check at 12 months. How was the coolant level then?
 

Minxy

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You say the van is only 18 months old, should have had an oil change and fluid check at 12 months. How was the coolant level then?
The service interval is up to 2 years on newer ones.

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Feb 9, 2008
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It's a diesel engine, it needs an oil change every 12 months whether its even run or not.
 
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Fletton

Fletton

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You say the van is only 18 months old, should have had an oil change and fluid check at 12 months. How was the coolant level then?

As far as I'm aware... the only thing they did at first annual check.. was damp-test for warranty and some underseal ...

They wanted to do a hab-check for silly money - and when I quizzed about essentials for warranty - subsequently declined their offer.

The fluid level was at (or around) the min marker when I purchased IIR ..
So i'm not concerned about possible leakage... as such...
 

Minxy

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It's a diesel engine, it needs an oil change every 12 months whether its even run or not.
That may be the ideal scenario but it isn't a requirement of Fiat which states that servicing is based on 2-year/30,000-mile intervals.

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Fletton

Fletton

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That may be the ideal scenario but it isn't a requirement of Fiat which states that servicing is based on 2-year/30,000-mile intervals.

That's what I was lead to believe now that you mention it ;)
 
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Bought mine new in Feb this year on fiat and I understood from dealer that it should have a fiat service and dealer hab check at 12 months.

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Oct 7, 2015
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Was this level check done when cold, if so run for ten min then check as levels vary a lot when cold weather
 
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Fletton

Fletton

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Bought mine new in Feb this year on fiat and I understood from dealer that it should have a fiat service and dealer hab check at 12 months.

If that was the case with mine.... I can't see them (the dealer) missing an opportunity to extract some more cash from moi... Can you? ;)

Edit:.... I did take the opportunity to ask specifics regarding what ACTUALLY was required as opposed to "nice to do" etc.... I don't like wasting money :) ;)
 
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Looking after the diesel engine is not a 'nice thing to do', it's the best thing to do. How much did you pay for your van? An oil and filter change is the best thing to do, every year, 30,000 miles whichever is sooner.

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Techno

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There is no need to change the oil on an engine that is not being used. Fully synthetic oil will protect all metal parts no matter how long it is stood
 

MikeD

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Looking after the diesel engine is not a 'nice thing to do', it's the best thing to do. How much did you pay for your van? An oil and filter change is the best thing to do, every year, 30,000 miles whichever is sooner.

Would you change your tyres every couple of years as well ?
 
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It would be very wise to have a competent person to take a look underneath, you may just have a coolant hose clip that needs tightening a little.

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