Based on the maintenance regulations for the Opel Astra H, antifreeze should be replaced if the shade or color of the working fluid changes. At the same time, the frequency of checking the cooling system is once every 15,000 km.
Many car owners take the simple route and change antifreeze every 45,000 km. If we consider the frequency of such work from the perspective of service life, then it is necessary to drain the old coolant and fill in new coolant once every two years. This is due to the fact that, at the end of this period, the additives in antifreeze lose their qualities, and the risk of engine overheating increases.
Which antifreeze is better and how much to pour into the Opel Astra N?
The service life and characteristics of the engine depend on the timeliness of replacing antifreeze. Equally important is the correct choice of coolant. In Opel Astra H cars, the use of dark orange or red compounds is allowed, which, with prolonged use, may acquire a yellow tint.
The best option is the use of G12 antifreeze intended for Opel cars. It is forbidden to fill in coolant that contains silicate. You can recognize it by its green-blue tint. This is extremely important, because ignoring this requirement can lead to system failure.
Before replacing antifreeze, it is worth deciding on the required volume of coolant - how much to pour. This parameter depends on the engine type. For example, the Z14 XEL and Z14 XEP engines require 5.6 liters of coolant, for the Z16 XEP and Z18 XE - 5.9 liters, for the Z17 DTL and Z17 DTH - 6.8 liters, and for the Z13 DTH - 7.6 l.
Antifreeze for Opel Astra N from General Motors
Replacement process
The reason for replacing antifreeze in an Opel Astra H may not only be the mileage or the past 2-year period. It is advisable to do such work after repairing the engine, replacing the cylinder head or cylinder head gasket, installing a new heat exchanger or radiator. You can change the coolant only on a cold engine, a few hours after the trip.
When replacing antifreeze, be careful - the working fluid should not get on the timing belts, because it contains glycol. If this happens, the service life of the part is reduced and the risk of breakage during operation increases.
Antifreeze drain
How to drain antifreeze from an Opel Astra H? The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- On a vehicle with the appropriate equipment, turn off or switch the air conditioning to ECO mode.
- Remove the cap installed on the neck of the expansion tank. Be careful because if the engine is not completely cool, there is a risk of burns. For protection, cover the lid with a rag.
- Raise the machine and place it on stands.
- Remove the engine crankcase protection.
- Place a prepared container of suitable volume under the main radiator. Coolant will be drained into it. To prevent splashing, place a tube over the nozzle and lower its other end into a container.
- Open the cap on the radiator and wait for the antifreeze to drain from the system.
- Close the valve and lower the machine.
Filling with new antifreeze
Above are instructions on how to drain antifreeze. After removing the old fluid in the Opel Astra H cooling system, you can proceed to filling it. To do this, do the following:
- Make sure that all cooling pipes are in good condition, as well as that the fastenings are secure. If during the inspection, defective components are identified, replace them and tighten the clamps.
- Remove the expansion tank cap and begin to slowly fill the system with clean, coolant.
- Pour the working compound until its level in the tank is at the level of the lower pipe.
- Screw on the expansion tank cap.
- Start the engine and leave it running until it reaches operating temperature. Increase the speed to 2500 rpm to start the cooling fan mounted on the radiator.
Let the engine run for two minutes to remove excess air from the cooling system. At the same time, the engine speed of the Opel Astra H should be at the level of 2000-2500 rpm. Excess air will escape through the connecting and return pipe of the expansion tank.
After completing the work, inspect the condition of the system elements for the presence of leaks. After this, turn off the engine and wait until it cools down completely. Replace the crankcase protection (if it was installed) and check the antifreeze level in the system again. If it is below normal, make an adjustment to the required volume. Finally, place and tighten the reservoir cap.
If you follow the given algorithm, replacing antifreeze in an Opel Astra H car takes no more than an hour. Remember that filling the coolant, done on time, allows you to extend the life of the engine and avoid many problems during operation. For best results, use only antifreeze recommended by the manufacturer.
Video: Replacing antifreeze on Opel Astra H
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How to select and replace antifreeze Opel Astra
Antifreeze Opel Astra models H and J. Replacement rules, instructions for draining and filling, as well as useful tips on the Astra cooling system.
Choosing antifreeze for Opel Astra
When choosing coolant for your Astra, the ideal product is the original GM product. Any other red liquid marked G11 can act as a replacement. It is very important that the Opel Astra antifreeze is filled with one type, for example, you cannot add red to green or G11 to G12.
Replacing antifreeze Opel Astra H
According to the rules, antifreeze in Astra is changed every 45 thousand km or every 2 years. You don't need special skills or equipment to replace yourself. Any work with coolant can be done with the engine cooled. The vehicle must be on a level surface.
- First open the expansion tank
- Then you need to put a hose on the radiator tube of the drain valve, insert the end into the drain container and turn the valve.
- To completely drain the cooling system of your Opel Astra, you must move the clamp holding the throttle body heating tube and remove the pipe from the intermediate tube socket.
- Fill until it evaporates from the remote nozzle. Then install it in place. Then you need to let the engine warm up to operating temperature and check the level in the expansion tank. If the level is below the required level, top up.
Opel Astra J Antifreeze replacement
Replacement antifreeze.
Opel correct coolant replacement!!
How I changed the coolant)))
Replacing antifreeze Opel Astra J
The Opel Astra J coolant should also be replaced every 45,000 km or every 2 years.
During the procedure, the car must be on a flat surface. The process algorithm looks like this:
- First of all, open the expansion tank cap.
- Connect the hose to the drain hole and place the end in a container to drain.
- Open the tap.
- Fill the new product until it runs away from the throttle valve, it must be removed in advance by loosening the clamp.
- Check the level on a warm engine and top up if necessary.
Why antifreeze leaving?
Such reasons for Opel Astra enough. Coolant may be leaking from the radiator, pump, or cracked hose. Alternatively, the gateway could be the cause. If the leak is small, it will help to remove special chemical compounds that are poured into the Opel Astra expansion tank and plug small holes. But this is a temporary solution.
To avoid air congestion in the system during filling, it is necessary to periodically heat the radiator pipes.
If it changes color a few days after replacing the antifreeze, then it is a fake product and should be drained immediately.
If the cooling system Opel Astra heavily soiled or antifreeze has not been replaced for a long time, it is recommended to wash it. There are special chemical compounds for this.
After draining the coolant, the system is filled with a flushing composition and turns on for about 30 minutes at maximum heating. The composition is then drained and the refrigerant is poured out.
To operate without increased wear, the engine of the Opel Astra H requires normal temperature conditions. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the coolant and replace it if necessary.
Stages of replacing coolant Opel Astra H
In this model, antifreeze is drained through a special drain valve located at the bottom of the radiator. But there is no provision for draining the engine block, so it would be logical to perform a flush. This will completely eliminate the presence of old fluid in the system and will not worsen the properties of the new antifreeze.
As you know, the GM corporation includes many brands, and therefore the car was supplied to different markets under different names. Therefore, according to these instructions, you can perform replacement on the following models:
- Opel Astra H;
- Opel Astra Classic 3 (Opel Astra Classic III);
- Opel Astra Family;
- Chevrolet Astra;
- Chevrolet Vectra;
- Vauxhall Astra H;
- Saturn Astra;
- Holden Astra.
As a power plant, both gasoline and diesel engines with different volumes were installed on the car. But the most popular are the z16xer and z18xer gasoline engines, with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, respectively.
Coolant drain
To drain antifreeze from the Opel Astra N, the designers provided fairly thoughtful and easy access. In this case, the liquid will not spill over the engine parts and protection, but will gently flow through the covered hose into a substitute container.
The operation can be performed even in the field; a hole is not required for this; we simply place the machine on a flat surface. We wait for the engine to cool down to at least 70°C, as recommended by the manufacturer, and proceed:
This is the whole draining process, anyone can figure it out and do it with their own hands. This method yields approximately 5 liters of old liquid. It is recommended to remove another liter remaining in the cooling system by flushing.
When draining, the valve must not be unscrewed completely, but only a few turns. If you unscrew it more, the liquid will flow not only from the drain hole, but also from under the valve.
Flushing the cooling system
After complete drainage, we install everything in its place and close the drain holes. Pour distilled water into the expander. Close the lid, let it warm up to operating temperature and open the thermostat. During warm-up, we periodically increase the speed to 4 thousand.
Turn it off, wait for it to cool down to at least 70°C, drain the water. We repeat this procedure 3-4 times, or until the water is clear when drained. After this, the Opel Astra H system is considered to be flushed from the remnants of old antifreeze.
Filling without air pockets
When replacing a flushed system, concentrate is usually used as the new fluid. This is due to the fact that a residue of distilled water remains that cannot be drained. And when using ready-made antifreeze, it will mix with it, which will worsen its freezing point. And using a concentrate, it can be diluted taking into account this residue.
So, the concentrate is diluted taking into account the remaining water in the system, now we pour it into the expansion tank. Following the recommendations in the instructions, you need to fill just above the KALT COLD level indicated by the arrows on the tank.
Close the tank lid, set the temperature regulator to the HI position, and start the engine. We warm up the car to operating temperature with a periodic increase in speed to 4000.
If everything is done correctly, there should be no air lock, and the stove will blow hot air. You can turn off the engine, after it has cooled down, all that remains is to check the coolant level and, if necessary, top up.
Replacement frequency, what antifreeze to fill
The first replacement of antifreeze in this model is made after 5 years of operation. Next, replacements must be made based on the recommendations of the coolant manufacturer. Using products manufactured using modern technologies from well-known brands, this period will also be at least 5 years.
It is recommended to use General Motors Dex-Cool Longlife as a fill-in antifreeze. Which is an original product with all the necessary approvals. Articles by which it can be ordered are 93170402 (1 l.), 93742646 (2 l.), 93742647 (2 l.).
Its analogues are Havoline XLC concentrate, as well as Coolstream Premium, a ready-to-use product. Coolstream is supplied to conveyors for filling into new cars assembled in Russia.
The main criterion in choosing a coolant for Astra N is GM Opel approval. If the liquid has it, then it can be used. For example, an excellent analogue for this model would be.
How much antifreeze is in the cooling system, volume table
| Model | Engine capacity | How many liters of antifreeze are in the system | Original liquid / analogues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opel Astra N | gasoline 1.4 | 5.6 | Genuine General Motors Dex-Cool Longlife |
| gasoline 1.6 | 5.9 | Havoline XLC | |
| gasoline 1.8 | 5.9 | Coolstream Premium | |
| gasoline 2.0 | 7.1 | Hepu P999-G12 | |
| diesel 1.3 | 6.5 | ||
| diesel 1.7 | 7.1 | ||
| diesel 1.9 | 7.1 |
Leaks and problems
The cooling system of the Astra AS is sealed, but over time, leaks may occur in various places through which antifreeze escapes. If detected, you should pay attention to the pipes and connections. There is also a leak where the throttle valve is located.
Some car enthusiasts find oil in antifreeze; there can be many reasons for this, including a broken gasket. But accurate information can only be obtained from the service, with a detailed study of the problem.
Video
Replacing Opel Astra N antifreeze is important for optimal engine performance. In the Astra N cooling system, it is allowed to use only red (dark orange) antifreeze, which, with prolonged use, can turn yellow. Recommended Opel - 1940650 or 09194431.
Replacement frequency and volume of antifreeze Opel Astra N
The Opel Astra N maintenance regulations require checking the level and color of the coolant every 15,000 km. Replacement should be made when the liquid has changed color significantly, the level and density have changed. Some drivers prefer not to bother with the question of “when to change antifreeze” and replace it every 45,000 km. In any case, regardless of mileage, coolant should be changed every 2 years, since after this time the anti-corrosion additives lose their properties.
How much antifreeze to fill
How to change antifreeze Opel Astra N
Replacing Astra N antifreeze may also be necessary during engine repairs, during which the cylinder head or cylinder head gasket, radiator, or heat exchanger were replaced. Change coolant only possible on a cold engine, at least several hours after the trip.
Changing the coolant in your car is a very important moment. And when choosing, the color and type of such liquid are very important. It is also necessary to understand that antifreeze for Opel Astra H must correspond to the model year.
What is coolant and where to put it
You need to understand how often replacement is required. Firstly, this change is necessary for optimal engine performance. That is, this is a coolant that needs to be poured into the cooling system of your car. It moves between the radiator and the system, removing excess heat and, as it were, making sure that the engine does not overheat. Another important factor is that it will not freeze even in severe frost.
Choosing a coolant is not difficult
All Opel Astra Ns require red antifreeze; over long periods of use it will lighten to orange or yellow. And under no circumstances should you use green or G11 antifreeze. Because of this, the entire system can fail. Basically, Coolant replacement should occur at least once every two to two and a half years, or at least every 40,000 km, this is important, because after this period the antifreeze will lose its properties and will no longer be able to cool.
What are the main properties of coolant?
Possesses anti-corrosion and lubricating properties.
Consists of H 2 O and ethylene glycol - a synthetic chemical.
Does not freeze at – 60 C.
Boiling point +108 C.
Coolants are also required for warming up, in order to heat rather than cool the engine. We must not forget that mixing different types with each other is not allowed. and antifreeze with Tosol (antifreeze is the trade name for coolant based on ethylene glycol, sometimes numbers are added to the name).
In addition to replacement due to loss of unique cooling properties, it is possible in case of engine repair. In no case should you lose sight of the fact that replacement can only be done on a cold engine.
How is the coolant changed on an Opel Astra?
You will know that replacement is necessary when the fluid becomes dull or loses its color.
If you are going to change the type of coolant, be sure to rinse the radiator with plain water.
The engine should be cold and make sure the car is on a level surface.
It is necessary to open the tank and, putting a hose on the drain valve, empty the cooling system.
Antifreeze is poured into the Opel Astra until it drips from the pipe.
Afterwards you need to warm up the engine and check the level in the tank; if there is a shortage, add more.
