Replacing radiator in Olds 88

[aquariuscsm]

The radiator in my gf`s 1998 Olds 88 is leaking. Bought a new one at Napa,and will be replacing it this weekend. Will one gallon of anti-freeze/coolant be enough and then to top it off with water?

 

[eljefino]

I'd get more or save some dribbles from the drain pan. Capacity is probably around 13 quarts. Though the engine will hold some if you don't flush, and being Texas you could cheat on the mix a teeny bit.

 

[ahoier]

According to Amsoil's Reference that vehicle takes 13.3 quarts...

The "concentrated" stuff (read: NOT the 50/50 premix) should be good to go then to make your own "50 50 mix"....13.3 quarts is roughly 3.3 gallons - and if you mix it right, you should get "2 gallons" of 50 50 mix out of the concentrated stuff.

If you're that worried about shying away from 50 50, put a dose of Hyper Lube or "Water Wetter" in there

But as mentioned, you're in Texas, do you see "freezing" temps very often? If you don't, shying a little under the 50% antifreeze shouldn't hurt...

But not sure what part of Tx you are in.

 

[PeteTheFarmer]

Your cutting it pretty close, but I think you will be OK. 4 quarts antifreeze in a 13.3 quart system is about 30 percent. Most manufactures don't recommend any less because the corrosion inhibitors become too diluted to be effective.

 

[aquariuscsm]

So once I get everything put back together,if I just pour in two gallons of straight anti-freeze and then top off with water,it should be good to go?

 

[PeteTheFarmer]

Two gallons topped with water is about 60 percent antifreeze, well below the 70 percent most manufacturers specify as the maximum. You should have no problems.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Will the "green" glycol (Zerex) be ok to use? When I had to replace the radiator in my Olds Trofeo (3800 Series I) that`s what I used and I drove it well past 300,000 miles with no problems.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Since there is some coolant left in the engine and heater-core, 1.5 gallons of anti-freeze and then top off with distilled water.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Operation was a success :^) Car now runs at half-guage instead of a lil over 3/4. The way the old radiator was sludged,I`d suspected it wasn`t efficiently cooling.