Ford Cargo o811

[wordingham]

Hi, I own a Ford Cargo o811 lorry, can somebody please tell what the small resvoir next to the batterys is for? I think it should have anti freeze in for the air assited brakes. if i am right do i use normal radiator antifreeze.Many thanks.

John.

[v64paul]

right in the first instance, but don't use anti freeze! the stuff to use is methanol, get this from the place you use to get your parts from. halfords or your corner car accessory shop probably wont know of it's existence. assuming you live in the uk, its very rare that it get's cold enough to be of real benefit. more important is regular maintainence. in this case the air resevoirs should have an automatic drain valve which empties the system of the water that builds up inside due to condensation. i say should because they often dont work. more important in the coming months is make sure the cooling system is topped up with the right amount of antifreeze, also change the fuel filter as diesel can contain water which in turn will also freeze 

[sddsddean]

Agree its methanol you need. Wouldn't have thought Halfords would stock it as cars don't use it, but wherever you get bits for your truck should have it. It is important to use in this country as some airlines are quite narrow bored and can easily freeze at just below freezing and it is a ****** to find which one! (Voice of experience!) In all the trucks I've driven I've never heard of automatic drain valves. You need to go round each morning and pull the drain plug on each tank to make sure ther is no water in the tank. I used to do it at the end of the day as well whilst any water was still liquid (Experience again!!). Before sticking methanol in the reservoir, just make sure that is what its for. It should be sitting on an airline and the are normally about the size of a car brake fluid reservoir.

PS Get a more modern truck with an air dryer and you won't have this problem!!

[wordingham]

Thanks very much for info, old wagon just used for storing my odds and sods whilst i moved house. only done 1000 miles in the last year, however wife wants to convert it for her horses!Thanks again for info.

John