F430 coolant - alternative to Glycoshell

Stef- I would just top it off with water rather than mix fluids. I use Zerex G-05 in the 575M, but the BMW or Porsche coolant would also make a good choice for a oomplete flush.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

I used Prestone and distill water to top off.

 

Glycoshell is just Shell's coolant. You can use many other brands of coolant, just like oils. I was on your same boat, and after making a few calls, was told all long-life coolants are compatible with each other (and it says so in the jug), so I wouldn't worry about it. Since Glycoshell is blue, I used Honda coolant, which is also blue, mostly to avoid having a weird color combination. The most important ingredient to avoid in coolants for aluminum engines (all car engines today have at least aluminum heads) is SILICATES, and none of the long-life coolants have it, so no worries. If you can avoid the other 3 nondesirable components (borates, nitrites, and phosphates) even better, but they make no difference unless you plan to push the service limits (just like there's no need for a group V oil if you're going to change it every 5K miles).

As far as the 'purging' procedure, remember that it takes a while for coolant level to stabilize, so you'll have to check the level several times. Also remember the correct level on the reservoir is 1-1/2" below the neck, so you'll have to use a tape measure and slowly dip it until you see it touch the coolant with a flashlight (or similar procedure). I checked it 5 times, and the 3rd was the last time I had to add any. Reservoir was bone dry, so dealer doing the PPI didn't even bother to check it (and they serviced the car 5 miles and 2 months prior). Good luck.