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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
dear all,

I am an Italian member with little experience but a lot of fun driving my 1945 Chevy truck. I believe it is about time to flush the coolant system and replenish it with new good coolant.
Many different types and products are on the market with different additives and specs. Could you please reccomend what to use end/or what not to use (please keep in mind I am in Europe not in the USA)?
Is there a suggested procedure on how to do it properly? The liquid presently in the engine and in the radiator is about three years old. Shouln't be too bad.

Your comments and help are very much appreciated!

Greetings from "bella Italia"
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,507
J
Moderator, Electrical Bay
Moderator, Electrical Bay
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,507
Buongiorno from Texas, Renzo. Thank you for the message...grazie mille! Your truck is very pretty. I think you want the IAT type anti-freeze (the green color...maybe blue) which is made for older vehicles. Maybe like this one:

https://proquisur.com/gb/anticongelantes/273-anticongelante-refrigerante-iat-50-pro.html

Please be careful not to use the solution made for aluminum radiators. Just drain out the old fluid, dispose of it correctly and then put in the new fluid mixed with water (usually 50/50).

I hope this is helpful...ciao!


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,673
U
'Bolter
'Bolter
U Offline
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,673
Drain radiator and some say you should open the rear drain on the side of the engine block too. Very nice looking truck.
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Last edited by UtahYork; 05/04/2026 5:04 PM.

~ John in Utah
1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,868
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,868
Open both the radiator and the engine block drains, and flush the system with clean water before adding new coolant. If the drained liquid is rusty, it would be a good idea to clean the system with some type of flushing solution. I use two pretty commonly available chemicals instead of a commercial flushing product. Muriatic acid (technical grade hydrochloric acid) which is used to clean up after masonry work, mixed in a ratio of 4 ounces to a gallon of water (15 ML/Liter) will dissolve rust and other metallic debris. Run the engine up to operating temperature with the acid solution, then neutralize the acid with a flush made of a strong solution of sodium bicarbonate and water. Flush with clear water, then add a 50% solution of antifreeze and water. A 50/50 solution protects against freezing down to-37 degrees F. and also slightly raises the boiling point of the coolant, even without pressurizing the radiator.
Jerry


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