Coolant - a few questions

[Lucky7]

Hi, welcome inputs on a few questions:

I have a 2003, 53 plate 231 that I have owned for many years.
The RX-8 of this vintage did not come with FL22 coolant, FL22 came along a couple of years after, and cars factory filled with such were I think labelled.
The service requirements for the non FL22 was to change the coolant 48 months/62k miles from new and thereafter every 24 months.
The car is coming up for it's annual service. The last time the coolant was changed, it was using Mazda part number C050CL0054X, which is "Mazda Super Coolant" , I'm not sure of the exact spec other than its green and definitely not FL22, which has a different part number.
The coolant had not been changed for 3 years, so whilst now 1 year overdue, the car is garaged and very low mileage (only 4k miles since 2015, due to various circumstances) so I don't think this is an issue but will change next service.

So my questions:
Is there any reason why I would not change to FL22 on next service rather than use non-FL22? Given minimal price difference, and that FL22 is longer life, I'm not sure why it wasn't changed to this before or if there is good reason why not to? E.g is it a faff to completely drain one type of coolant out to replace with another?
If I recall, FL22 could not be mixed, is that correct?
Is FL22 the best way to go? Comma recommend xStream G30 OAT Coolant for example that has a 5 year life.
Whats the difference with FL22 and any draw backs vs the pros of longer life?
Out of interest, with the original non FL22 coolant, why did Mazda say its OK for 48 months from original new build fill, but it is only 24 months thereafter?

Welcome your thoughts, many thanks!

[Dr. FrankenRex]

I can't answer the questions around FL22 vs other coolants, however I can answer why the Mazda 'as built' lasts 48 compared to the standard 24 month schedule - you can't replace it all on a standard service change.

Generally, much like with the engine oil in an 8, a standard drain and replace will only change some of the coolant rather than all of it. The idea being if you change the coolant twice as often you will be OK rather than a full drain and flush replace which is a lot more labour intensive.

[warpc0il]

The only issue with mixing FL22 with other "long life" or "OEM fill" coolants is the resultant colour - as most mixes would result in a muddy brown which owners would be concerned was rusty.

[Delanor]

The OE Mazda coolant is called FL22 Gold for some reason but it is actually green in colour.

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Del.

[13Black]

Is it actually Gold...?

I have some with Gold on the bottle and it most certainly is Green or I've developed some horrendous colour blindness.

[warpc0il]

Golders Green used to be very popular with the Jewish community - don't know if that's still the case.

[Harrizone]

Golders Green used to be very popular with the Jewish community

Still is. Next stop Stanmore.

Another thread derailed . Sorry

[mi60o0]

Is green the new gold label

[willberry70]

This a probably a silly question, but does it have to be FL22 (if your car specs it) or will anything from Halfords without Ethonol do?

And if FL22 is best, other than ebay is there a 'best' place to procure some?

[Dave2112]

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/coolant-prem ... -1594.html

Only £15:82 inc Vat

Great price

[13Black]

It doesn't have to be FL22, no. Not really.

I'm not aware of any coolant with ethanol in it, but you don't want silicates.
As long as it's MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) based - with OAT seems to be fine as well.
I use Comma's red super longlife jobbie, in a rather weak concentration of about 30:70.

I wouldn't say FL22 is anything -that- special.

[13Black]

I've been using Comma's Red Super Longlife too, since my engine rebuild about 7000 miles ago, on recommendation of Essex Rotary.

[SeeJay]

Gotta admit..coolant change is the one I've never had done,since taking ownership over 5 years ago

Admittedly,there's never been an issue,and the R3 never ventures out in winter,but it looks like it's high time for a refresh..

.. Nick,what's your stock of Comma Red looking like

[willberry70]

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/coolant-prem ... -1594.html

Only £15:82 inc Vat

Great price

So that's £26 for 5Litres including delivery.
Anyone beet that price on Comma Red maybe?

[mi60o0]

I bought fl22 32 pound for 10l ready mix from Mazda dealer can’t fault main dealer some time my 6 get oil and filter just form main dealer to is cheap

[willberry70]

Just seen my local Halfords sells Comma Red, so that'll save me the postage

[13Black]

eBay
5L concentrate for £15.49 with free deliv.

That whole tub and a 5L tub of deionised water for £7.

Coolant change £22.49, bosh.

[willberry70]

eBay
5L concentrate for £15.49 with free deliv.

That whole tub and a 5L tub of deionised water for £7.

Coolant change £22.49, bosh.

Bought dat!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMMA-SUPER- ... 2749.l2649

[Delanor]

FL22`s main benefit is a claimed life of 11 years before change is required which is a long time compared to many other coolants life span, Comma Red is only 5 years.

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Del.

[13Black]

Reading Mazda's TSB, they only recommend a 5 year life of FL22 on subsquent/non-factory fills anyway.

[Delanor]

The service shedule states FL22 "Replace every 125,000 miles or 11 years" and as FL22 has changed (now Gold) I queried it with MX5 parts and they confirmed it is still the same spec` with a 11 year life.

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Del.

[bigpete8]

Or for the cheapskates like me, how about...

Ebay Item 401446552751

Triple QX 5L Red AntiFreeze Summer Coolant 5 Litre GL12+ Ready Mix

£14 all in. (2x5l)

(Which BTW is sold by ECP under another name.)

[bigpete8]

One thing I would say is consider how long you think the Coolant is actually going to be in your car.
From new, 5 to 10 years is reasonable.
But what's the likelihood of having to drain your system in the next five years of ownership of your car that's already 5/10/15 years old ?
Leaking radiator, engine rebuild etc..

[willberry70]

So what's the capacity if you did replace it all. And is it an easy job??

[warpc0il]

Capacity is just under 10L

Define "easy"?