304 coolant, oil and mechanic!

[matthew9]

Hi Everyone, I’m just signing up for the club and this my first post as I've just bought home a lovely 304 1972 s cab! I’m managed to read some of the posts but still working through the forum so sorry if I'm repeating questions.

She overheated at the end of her 4 hour journey back to London - just as I reversed and parked a lot of steam came out of the radiator. Looking inside the radiator later it was an emulsion of light rusty brown sludge so i was thinking best to drain and flush water through her till clear then fill with coolant. Any suggestions on how to best do this and what coolant to use would be greatly appreciated. This is the start of my DIY mechanic journey! Also in terms of oil i guess a something like Shell Helix HX5 15W-40 would work?

There are some electrical issues (amongst other things) indicators, windscreen wipers horn not working etc so any steers as to a mechanic around North London who could help would be great?

Dear Santa please can I have the pug running by Christmas..!
All the best,
Matthew

[oldpug]

Hi matthew and welcome.
Its going to be difficult to completely clear the radiator core.If you intend to use the car regularly,particularly in the summer with the hood down,have a new core fitted by a specialist.
Before you remove the radiator run the engine for a day or so with a good quality cooling system flushing chemical. Then with the radiator removed,and the thermostat, give the block a good clean out with water,preferably with a high pressure gun.
As for engine oil,I have always used Classic 20/50 in old Peugeot engines.

[classicmfb]

Hello Matthew

I'd echo what Oldpug has said about oil; an old fashioned - but good quality - product would be the best bet. Because the 304's gearbox is lubricated by the engine's oil, I use Miller's classic Mini oil and have found no cause for complaint.

If your car has been standing for a while or if the existing oil seems a bit suspect, it might be a good idea to do a couple of oil and filter changes in fairly quick succession.

When the time comes to refill the cooling system, you'd be wise to use an 'old style' coolant (I believe they're generally blue) rather than one intended for use in modern engines.

I wonder if a mobile vehicle electrician might be able to help with your various electrical gremlins. The 304 is much simpler than the sort of thing someone like that will be used to working on, so your car shouldn't prove too challenging.

Good luck!

[matthew9]

Thanks very much Oldpug and Postman Pat for that really helpful advice and welcome! I’ve ordered the Miller's classic Mini oil, blue style coolant & Wynns cooling system flush + a couple of oil filters from serie04 (thanks to Chris for that earlier steer). It has been standing for a long time with tiny mileage for the last 5 years although appears to have only done 25k total. Got the Haynes manual and booking the mobile electrician in the week. Fingers crossed and thanks again!