Hi Everyone,
Have just woken the engine up after 23 years of slumber. A bit of popping and farting until I fiddled with the dynamic timing and mixtures, seems to be happy enough now. One question of the group, and mainly for the Australians listening in. What is the best antifreeze to use? I have researched IAT, OAT and HOAT and understand that I should be using IAT. Unfortunately, I cannot Find IAT mentioned on any of the containers. If nothing is forthcoming, I will use the green coloured antifreeze with a life of two years. Perhaps Nulon "Dr Cool"?
Thanks,
Colin.
P.S. Have also searched LotusElan.net and cannot find the definitive answer.

Have you not seen this thread http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/elan-f15/anti-freeze-t19718.html? I don't think much more can be said on the topic.
The fact seems to be that containers of IAT antifreeze rarely if ever state that that is what they contain and manufacturers seem reluctant to give straight answers when asked.

The topic was done to death not too long ago:

elan-f15/anti-freeze-t19718.html

The best answer, seemingly, is Furnox, which is a propylene glycol-based additive. There's a link in that thread to the specific formulation that's recommended, and another link to a detailed explanation of why it's superior to the traditional glycol-based antifreeze.

Failing that, get a traditional ethylene glycol based antifreeze (which is IAT) and is either blue or green. Dilute with distilled water, or buy it in a ready-to-go concentration.

(That's what I took from that discussion, but draw your own conclusions...)

Paddy

Fernox Alphi 11 - sorted!

Thanks Guys,
As I said, I searched the site previously and read the posts you have mentioned. If I could go to the local motor accessory shop and buy Bluecol or Blue Star, I would. If I could walk into the local plumber's supply and buy the Furnox, I would. I have also contacted the technical division of one of the larger suppliers of antifreeze and have been told that their green product is actually of the hybrid organic type (HOAT). This is a mixture of inorganic and organic additives. Green isn't necessarily pure IAT in Australia. Hence, the question posed of the Australian posters. I am after some actual experience of the local products.
Thanks again,
Colin.

I use the nulon extended life green - the nulon red is not suitable for cars with copper / soldered radiators like the original Elan radiators

cheers
Rohan

Thanks Rohan,
I was leaning in the direction of the green Nulon product. I notice on the back panel of the Nulon red they actually state that it is OAT technology, so no problem ruling that out. Like the sound of the Fernox product, but can't seem to track it down, at least on the web.
Will try the green Nulon on your recommendation.
Thanks again,
Colin.