Replacing antifreeze Opel Astra H

To work without increased wear, the Opel Astra N car engine needs a normal temperature regime. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the coolant and replace it if necessary.

Stages of replacing coolant Opel Astra H

The antifreeze drain on this model is carried out through a special drain valve located at the bottom of the radiator. But the drainage of the engine block is not provided, so flushing would be logical. This will completely eliminate the presence of old fluid in the system and will not affect the properties of the new antifreeze.

As you know, GM Corporation includes many brands, in connection with this, the car was delivered to different markets under different names. Therefore, according to this instruction, you can replace it on the following models:

• Opel Astra N (Opel Astra N);
• Opel Astra Classic 3 (Opel Astra Classic III);
• Opel Astra Family (Opel Astra Family);
• Chevrolet Astra (Chevrolet Astra);
• Chevrolet Vectra (Chevrolet Vectra);
• Vauxhall Astra H;
• Saturn Astra (Saturn Astra);
• Holden Astra.

As a power plant, gasoline and diesel engines of various sizes 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.

Draining the coolant

To drain the antifreeze from the Opel Astra N, the designers provided for a fairly accurate and convenient access. In this case, the liquid will not spill onto the parts and protect the engine, but will gently drain through the prepared hose into the replaced container.

The operation can be carried out even in the field, this does not require the presence of a pit, it is enough to put the machine on a flat surface. We wait for the motor to cool down to at least 70 ° C, as recommended by the manufacturer, and proceed:

1. We unscrew the cap of the expansion tank to reduce pressure, as well as to let air in for faster draining of the liquid (Fig. 1).
2. We squat, under the bumper on the left side we find a drain valve coming out of the radiator (Fig. 2).
3. We insert a pipe with a diameter of about 12 mm into the tap, it can be more, but then it will need to be clamped so that it does not jump out. We lower the second end of the hose into a specially prepared container. Open the valve and wait until all the old antifreeze has drained.
4. Following the recommendations in the instructions, in order to completely drain the coolant, you need to remove the hose going to the throttle assembly (Fig. 3). After removing, we lower the pipe down, another part of the old fluid will come out.
5. If there is sediment or scale on the bottom, as well as on the walls of the expansion tank, it can also be removed for washing. This is done simply, the battery is removed, the latches secure the tank at the back and on the right. After that, it is simply pulled along the guides, you need to pull in the direction from the windshield towards you.

That's the whole process of drainage, everyone can figure it out and do it with their own hands. In this way, about 5 liters of old fluid are taken away. Another liter remaining in the cooling system is recommended to be removed by flushing.

When draining, the valve should not be unscrewed completely, but only a few turns. If you unscrew it further, the liquid will flow out not only from the drain hole, but also from under the valve.

Flushing the cooling system

After a complete drain, we install everything in its place, close the drainage holes. Pour distilled water into the expander. Close the lid, let it warm up to operating temperature and open the thermostat. During warm-up, periodically increase the speed to 4 thousand.

We muffle, wait until it cools down, at least to 70 ° C, drain the water. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times or until the water runs clear when drained. After that, the Opel Astra H system is considered flushed from the remnants of the old antifreeze.

Filling without air pockets

When replacing a flushed system, a concentrate is usually used as the new fluid. This is because there is a residue of distilled water that does not drain. And when you use ready-made antifreeze, it will mix with it, worsening 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 fill it into the expansion tank. Following the recommendations of the instructions, fill in KALT COLD just above the level indicated by the arrows on the tank.

Close the tank cap, turn the temperature control to the HI position, start the engine. We warm up the car to operating temperature with a periodic increase in speed up to 4000.

If everything is done correctly, there should be no air pockets, and the stove will blow hot air. You can turn off the engine, after it cools down, all that remains is to check the coolant level, top up if necessary.

Frequency of replacement, which antifreeze to fill

The first replacement of antifreeze in this model is carried out after 5 years of operation. Further replacements should be made in accordance with the recommendations of the coolant manufacturer. When using products manufactured using modern technologies of well-known brands, this period will also be at least 5 years.

General Motors Dex-Cool Longlife is recommended for top-up antifreeze. That it is an original product with all necessary approvals. Products for which you can order 93170402 (1 sheet), 93742646 (2 sheets), 93742647 (2 sheets.).

Its analogues are the Havoline XLC concentrate, as well as the ready-to-use Coolstream Premium product. Coolstream is supplied to carriers for refueling new vehicles assembled in Russia.

The main criterion for choosing a coolant for Astra N is the approval of GM Opel. If it is in the liquid, then it can be used. For example, German antifreeze Hepu P999-G12 will be an excellent analogue for this model.

How much antifreeze is in the cooling system, volume table

Model	Engine power	How many liters of antifreeze is in the system	Original liquid / analogues
Opel Astra north	1.4 gasoline	5.6	Genuine General Motors Dex-Cool Longlife
1.6 gasoline	5,9	Airline XLC
1.8 gasoline	5,9	Premium Coolstream
2.0 gasoline	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 ASh car is airtight, but over time, leaks may occur in various places through which antifreeze escapes. When detected, you should pay attention to the pipes, joints. There is also a leak at the throttle body.

Some motorists find oil in antifreeze, there can be many reasons for this, up to a broken gasket. But accurate information can only be obtained in the service, with a detailed study of the problem.