Antifreeze for '93

[drewbball]

I just bought a 93 Si, and I need to replace the radiator. I do not have an owners manual, so I do not know what kind of antifreeze to use. Can anyone tell me, or point me to a web page that might help me? Thanks for the help!

[JD@af]

There's little differentiation between anti-freezes. Shouldn't really matter.. just be careful about using this kind of anti-freeze that is based on different compounds. I can't remember more about it than that.. but it's red as opposed to the yellow-green of conventional anti-freezes.

By the way, welcome to AF.

[fritz_269]

There is a big difference in coolant formulations. And the color has nothing to do with it (most of the constituents are clear, so they're just dyed any ol' color the mfg. wants.)

You absolutely MUST use a coolant that is "silicate-free". Not "low silicates" or "aluminum-safe", but "silicate-free". Otherwise your aluminum block and head will eventually get plugged cooling holes and your water-pump seal will leak.

IMHO, Honda branded coolant is excellent, and just about the best thing you can put into a Honda engine. They use an organic corrosion inhibitor, very unlike the metal salts in 'typical' coolants. Texaco/Halvoline also has an excellent reputation (the "silicate-free" kind!)

Most Honda coolant I've seen is pre-mixed, so just use it as is. Other brands may not be, so you'll need to dilute it with 50% distilled water. Always read the bottle carefully.

If you've accidentially used a silicate-based coolant, get a coolant flush and replace it as soon as possible. And avoid mixing different brands of coolant.

Read this thread:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t13948.html

And some other resources:
http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/HondaCoolant.html
http://www.newcovenant.com/features/motors/coolant.html
ftp://ftp.team.net/sol/coolant.txt (in-depth)