Triumph MAYFLOWER 1951, Instruction Book

Page: 15 / 86

14
MANAGEMENT OF CAR— The Engine
COOLING SYSTEM
In frosty weather some steps must be taken to prevent the cooling water freezing, as water
expands when freezing thus causing a great bursting pressure, with considerable risk of a
cracked cylinder block or radiator and consequent leaks. If the garage is not heated the
water may be drained, but it is desirable to use an anti-freeze mixture. As the cooling
system is fitted with a thermostat there is a risk of the radiator block freezing while the
engine is running during the warming up period when the thermostat is shut, even though
the car has been left in a warm garage and water is not frozen at the start of the run.
Draining
For the purpose of draining, taps are provided in the radiator bottom tank and at the
rear of the cylinder block on the right-hand side. If a heater is fitted, see also page
68.
Filling
When filling the radiator it is advisable to re-check the water level after the engine
has been warmed. All the air may not have been forced out until the valve in the
thermostat has been opened.
Anti-Freeze Mixtures
We recommend owners to use Smith's "Bluecol" noncorrosive anti-freeze (inhibited
Glycol base compound) in order to protect the cooling system during frosty weather
and reduce corrosion to a minimum. Drain sufficient water away and replace by
"Bluecol". If this is attended to, particularly when the car is new, corrosion will be
checked and result in a clean cooling system.
If the anti-freeze is added when the weather has already become cold, then it is
advisable to drain all the water away and mix the anti-freeze with water in a
watering can. If the anti-freeze is put directly into the radiator it may take some time
to mix with the cylinder jacket water, due to the thermostat preventing circulation
until the jacket water is hot.