Two things...

[Kindabluenose]

All,

Flavia

Is distilled water preferable for the rad coolant mix, or is normal tap okay ?

Also, my oil dipstick looks loose, ( probably do to use over the years, the ridged area has gotten thinner  ) and I am worried it may leak / splash onto the exhaust. I have some low - tech solutions, ( wrapping some stuff around the ridged area below the cap to make it fatter ), but trying to keep it real, can you get replacements for these things ?, if so, where ?

Thanks a lot...any advice I am grateful for...

[roddy]

Tap water can vary in its quality and mineral content amongst the various regions of the country.  It is therefore preferable to use "demineralised water" in the car radiator along with anti-freeze. It can be purchased on-line in various sizes of quantity.  I bought a 20 litre container many years ago, and use it when the cars get their routine coolant changes. It is good for the occasional battery top-up too.

Regards -

[Kevinlincs]

Agree with the tap water scenario, it depends on the water quality and if you are in a Hard tap water area. Here in Lincolnshire we are classed as very hard, I believe so I always use deionized /distilled water to prevent corrosion within the waterways. It's so cheap to buy it's not worth the risk anyway.
Easiest way to see is look in your kettle. If it looks all chalky and scaly then that's what your cooling system would look like using the tap water where you are.

[frankxhv773t]

My son has a condensing tumble dryer and I get him to bottle up the water from that for use in the steam iron and car cooling system. An electric dehumidifier in the garage (if you are lucky enough to run one) presumably supplies the same condensate.

[lancialulu]

My son has a condensing tumble dryer and I get him to bottle up the water from that for use in the steam iron and car cooling system. An electric dehumidifier in the garage (if you are lucky enough to run one) presumably supplies the same condensate.

Oh I never thought it would be as good as ionised water. My dehumidifier goes straight down the drain but I could ask it to fill a bucket or two..... Any chemists on here???

[Richard Fridd]

Has anyone her used 'waterless engine coolant' ?

[williamcorke]

I have waterless coolant in my B10, on the recommendation of Jonathan Angell who used it on his B10.

No problems with it. The lack of expansion is a very good thing.