Coolant

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The Radiator Coolant keeps the engine from overheating while protecting it from rust and corrosion. It also prevents it from freezing, so is sometimes called anti-freeze (antifreeze). Straight water can be used, but is subject to rust and to freezing, and non-distilled water can cause particle build up in the cooling system.

Daily Care

• CAUTION: Do not check at gas-station, but only when radiator is cool to the touch
• Remove cap and if fluid level is more than 1 inch below opening, add Coolant. Do not fill to the top.

Overview

Fill the radiator with a distilled water in a 50/50 mix of coolant/antifreeze. If you live in freezing areas, check the coolant container for instructions (which may require a 30/70 mix in very cold areas).

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Specifications

• Water capacity: 4.9 liter (5-3/16 US quart, 4-5/16 imperial qt)

Many of these brands listed below have changed names. Any modern antifreeze/coolant that is compatible with aluminum parts should be acceptable. The Datsun 1200 uses an aluminum head and water pump.

Antifreeze/Coolant for radiator

Recommended:

• Producing: Antifreeze coolant L.L.C. (Nissan "Long Life Coolant")
• Shell Shellzone

Acceptable:

• Chevron Atlas Perma Guard antifreeze
• ESSO Long Life Coolant
• ESSO Atlas Long Life Coolant RAD
• Mobile Permazone
• Sunoco Permanent Type
• Texaco Antifreeze Coolant
• Texaco Startex Antifreeze Coolant

Replacement

The Maintenance Schedule calls for replacement of the engine coolant every two years. Use long-life coolant.

When draining, remove the engine block drain plug too.

When removing this plug, be sure to use a tight fitting 6-point socket/spanner. Failure to do so will result in stripping the corners off the head of the plug. These were manufactured from a very soft steel and are very easy to round off if the incorrect tools are used. You were warned...

Once removed, most of the time you will find it won't drain because decades of rust and scale and crud builds up in this low flow area of the coolant system. Use an old drill bit to hand-drill your way through the crud until it starts to drain, and then stick a running garden hose in the radiator with the radiator hoses connected. Use some thick/stiff fencing wire to poke and scrape around deep into the engine block and break up the remaining chunks inside so the water from the garden hose flowing through will wash it all out. Leave it running until the water comes out clear and clean.

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Cold Weather

Coolant protects the engine cooling system from freezing. To enable faster starts and lessen wear in sub-freezing temperatures, consider installing a Block Heater.

Part Numbers

USA

SBNLL-C0001 COOLANT-NISSAN LONG LIFE 2 LITTER(0.4
SBNLL-C0002 COOLANT-NISSAN LONG LIFE 4 LITTER(0.8
SBNLL-C0003 COOLANT-NISSAN LONG LIFE 18LITTER(3.9
10125-62200 N.C.S. SEALER (1 CARTON-96