Replacing water pump - what fluid do I need

[kevinod]

and before anyone says 'water'...

I'm going to do the timing belt & the other 2 this weekend, plus replace the water pump while I'm at it. I remember seeing different fluids being mentioned with regards to coolant etc.

Which fluid will I need for refilling after I replace the water pump?

Kev.

[CJ]

Which fluid will I need for refilling after I replace the water pump?

50/50 water/coolant mix should do the job, you'll have to completely empty the coolant system so get a 5L container of the stuff...

CJ

[kevinod]

Cool, thanks! Any particular coolant recommended, or any particular stuff I should steer clear of?

[CJ]

Cool, thanks! Any particular coolant recommended, or any particular stuff I should steer clear of?

Use glycol based coolant - its usually blue\green. Steer clear of the pink stuff, it becomes more acidic over time and needs to be changed more often to ensure damage doesn't occur to componants.

Note: its recommended to replace coolant in the system every 2 years or so.

CJ

[prestigejs]

If you go into a larger parts retailer they will sell a green coolant. This is the correct one for the FTO and is a summer and winter additive.
I would recommend only using that one as it is the correct additive for the car.

Nick.

www.mitsubishi-fto.co.uk

[kevinod]

Heh, they're just not going to take me seriously if I go in asking for blue or green stuff, but not pink stuff!

Any good brands?

[Mustang]

What about the water itself? Tap, mineral, de-ionised??? Any recommendations?

[CJ]

What about the water itself? Tap, mineral, de-ionised??? Any recommendations?

Tap is fine, deionised is better. You can get containers of the latter in most motor factors.

As regards brands, you've the likes of Bardahl, Royal Purple and Prestone which are all good....

CJ

[prestigejs]

You'd be surprised, most parts shops will sell the brand that comes from there suppliers, however the majority of coolants and antifreeze is made at the same plant and then supplied to the different companies. The specifications are the same.

Literally if you are buying it for your car, just go in and ask for 5 litres of green engine coolant.
There'll only ask you what colour you want otherwise.

Give it a go!!!

Just use normal water, everything else needed is in the coolant itself.

[steelroe]

Why you changing the water pump if it is working ok. Is it leaking or something

[kevinod]

No, its working fine, no leaks or anything. It just makes sense to do it when I'm doing the belts anyway. I know the belts are supposed to last ~100k and the water pump ~130k, but its easiest to do it at the same time.

No harm to do it early anyway, before it starts giving problems.