Modern Vespa

Hi All,

I've a new 2018 GTS Super Sport 125 which recommends "Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze fluid with organic inhibition additives. Red, ready to use" (I believe that's what's know as OAT) coolant. I got ahold of some Castrol Motorcycle Coolant which doesn't state whether it's IAT or OAT or whatever but I thought would be the right stuff as it said ASTM D3306 on the front and for all water cooled motorcycles, but it came out blue and I stopped right away.

So I have two questions, 1. What kind of coolant have I just added to the system? and 2. Does this mean I'm going to have to flush it all out or just that the life of the coolant will be reduced to 2 years from 5?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Castrol Motorcycle Coolant - 1L

Anti-freeze performance down to -25
Suitable for all water cooled motorcycles
Extended radiator protection
Ethylene glycol based formula

NOTE Blue coolant

Castrol Motorcycle Coolant is a prediluted (ethylene glycol based, fully formulated) heat transfer fluid, developed to meet the requirements of all water-cooled motorcycles and scooters.

Perfectly fine for use in your Vespa .

Even mixed with the red/pink coolant it came with? That would be a relief!

The colour is totally irrelevant.

But I'm a little concerned the original coolant is an OAT one and the blue, Castrol one is not and possibly even an IAT one which you're not supposed to mix?

Sod the colour!

This is a bit of an Amsoil advert, but descibes the various coolant types and their compatibilities.
http://www.engine-performance-online.com/amsoil-products/amsoil-antifreeze/engine-coolant-antifreeze-types/

Note that if a coolant says it's 'universal', it should be compatible with all other coolant types.

If I need to top up my coolant, I first find out where the leak is - you should never have to top up in normal use. Then repair that leak, which usually means draining the system. Then re-fill with whatever is on special offer as 'standard coolant' at the local shop.

It says in the UK (where I am) IAT is typically blue :/ and that it shouldn't be mixed with OAT. Is there any reliable way I can make sure what exactly the Castrol is?

The stupidest part is, as you say, I didn't even really need to top it up. It's brand new, there's no leak, I just have an incredibly hard time seeing where the liquid is sitting between the min-max levels and took it to be nearer the min...

George, here in the UK the blue Castrol antifreeze may not be compatible with what's already in your bike. You don't say which Castrol antifreeze you have used. There are two types over here in the UK that I know of. I have a garage full of Castrol engine coolant, blue and could not use it in my GTS300. But, from memory just at this moment I cannot recall the full details. The d3306 spec you mention is of no real value as many types of AF meet that. Although Castrol says they are universally compatible, they mean it can be used in all engines, except some engines with a particular alloy in them. It does not mean you can mix them with any other make or type of coolant. A full flush may be needed first. I've got the full spec sheets for Castrol somewhere so I'll come back to you with more info soon. I use Comma engine coolant OAT. It's red in colour but colour is of course, as said above, not the important thing.
Below in the first download box, if you click the 'download' button you will see the spec sheet for Comma OAT concentrate AF. It's free of all the nasty stuff that damages your engine. But only leave it in your motor for two years, not 5 as it suggests on the product bottle. From memory, one of the Castrol AF's contains silicate, but can't remember which one so watch this space.

Ok, got the Castrol sheet in the second box below for the one that may be ok, but it doesn't meet ASTM D3306. This means you may have put the other type in your motor with IAT or SOAT. Can't be completely sure yet. Here's the sheet anyway....

Thanks Stromrider (This is 'George' btw, that was a borrowed account), I'm pretty sure that's the one I have, the spec says

"Based on coolant concentrate conforming to: ASTM D3306(I)
BS 6580:2010"

But I realise now that relates to cooling performance rather than the ingredients, IAT/OAT. So annoying Castrol don't make it clear whether it's either of those. I think I'm going to have to get the coolant flushed and replaced to be on the safe side! I only put a splash in so I'm hoping it'll go a little while without causing any problems until I get it back to the dealer.

To be honest, I doubt just a splash will do any harm. I've seen an engine completely blocked up by someone who put in near a pint of IAT into OAT and it took 3 months to ruin the rads and hoses. His system only had 2 pints of coolant so it worked quite quickly to damage the cooling system. A splash...well I'm guessing that's going to deplete itself without doing any real damage but personally I wouldn't take the chance of leaving it in for very long.

You could easily change the coolant yourself if you are reasonably competent with diy. It's not hard. You just need to flush with some deionized water and then refill with your new coolant. Ask your dealer what they use. Are you situated in the South East of Britishland? Anywhere near North Essex?

I spoke to the dealer today and he said the same thing, just a splash shouldn't be an issue. I trust him because if he said flush it he could make a little money! I think I'll leave it till the first service at 1000km, it's not going to take long to reach that... then I can have it done at the same time.

I'm okay at DIY but this is my first petrol vehicle and after messing up already I sort of feel as though I should leave well enough alone without trying to flush it myself! I'm down in Bromley.