English Electric

I bought 5 litres of Ford Super Plus Premium from a reputable company online. Once mixed 50 50 with water, I tested it with one of those "turkey baster" style testers, with the 6 different coloured discs. Only the first 2 discs float, giving a protection around the late teens.

To get anything near -37 (as stated on the container) I needed to up the concentration to around 2/3 - 3/4 antifreeze.

I tested the antifreeze neat and the 6 discs floated correctly meaning not safe. Also normal water makes no discs float which is correct.

I went out and purchased a 1.99 tester from Halfords (3 floating balls) just to get another perspective. A 50 50 mix makes 2 balls float meaning -17'C which sort backs up the the other tester.

It is possible that the Ford antifreeze I have got is a dodgy batch? Or it is likely both testers are way off the mark?

I have a mix of around 60% antifreeze, 40% water and it gives 3 floating discs and -23' protection which I am happy with. What I am bothered about is whether the higher concentration of antfreeze will have any long term affect on the cooling system?

Note - also  the mix is orange like the older stuff, and not the newer pink/purple (which I thought was strange)

Regards Paul

After extensive searching I still cannot find an answer to this, nor can I find the flywheel as a product to buy (which would have answered my question)

Does the 2003 MK1 C Max 1.6 petrol Zetec have a dual mass flywheel or solid flywheel?

I know the 1.8 does have a dual mass.

Many thanks

Hi everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post. I own a 2003 Focus C MAX 1.6 petrol Zetec and am looking at doing various tasks on my driveway like brakes.

After much searching around I still have a lifting issues unresolved.

Question 1:
I still cannot find a definitive guide (specific to 2003 CMAX) on using a trolley jack/axle stand combo safely. I know that using the recommended sill positions is good for jacking and resting on the axle stands, and ideally I would like to use the sill positions for the stands, for stability.

Seeing as you can't use the sill for both jack and stand at the same time, where are the strong recommended places underneath? I know it's asking a lot but a pic would be fantastic.

Question 2:
Seeing as there is only 145mm clearance between the welded seam and the drive, and most cheapish jacks start around 140mm, I was thinking of getting a low profile (80mm) jack with a rubber hockey puck for protection. Is this a good way to go??

Question 3:
Daft question but valid. My drive is block paved. Will a trolley jack manage to adjust itself as I am jacking without the castors getting stuck in the grooves between the bricks, or will the pressure move the wheels over the grooves OK. If they do get stuck, would it be OK to put the jack on a sheet of plywood or similar?

Question 4:
Are the ratchet style axle stands safe enough? I have ruled out foldable ones as I don't trust the concept. I am looking at traditional ones i.e. ones that you put the locking pins through.


Finally, I know some people will recommend ramps, but I want to have wheels off, so no ramps.

Thanks in advance