Series Land Rover (UK/Europe)
Serving the Series I, Series II, Series III and other Land Rover communities worldwide.

The Series Land Rover engine is well known for its ability to run relatively cool for long periods of time, due to the efficiency of its cooling system. This infact was a design feature since Series Land Rovers were originally expected to become farm-based; they were designed to have the ability to remain stationary and power a range of optional belt driven equipment via a Power Take-Off facility at the rear. This is the reason for the extra large radiator that the Series Land Rovers generally have.

Filling the cooling system of a Series Land Rover with water only, does nothing to slow water chamber corrosion. But 'anti-freeze', to coin its commonly used name, suggests that it is required only in cold climates. It does however, contain a range of chemicals and additives which inhibit corrosion, prolong the life of rubber hoses and reduce cavitation around the water pump impeller (which increases stress and accelerates corrosion). So 'anti-freeze' is rather better referred to as engine coolant.

Water molecules are better able to carry heat around than the main chemicals used to make antifreeze. So there is a trade-off. If you use the correct manufacturer's recommendation for the water:antifreeze mixture then the boiling point of your coolant mixture can be as high as 130C (under pressure), but if you add too much antifreeze then heat is not carried around efficently enough and overheating can result. So follow the instructions and don't be tempted to add extra thinking it will be of benefit. It won't.