Hawk Vintage Cool 180° Waterless Cooling Fluid 5L

Hawk Vintage Cool 180° 5L waterless cooling fluid is specially formulated for classic cars and vintage vehicles, with a focus on vehicles produced up through the 1950s. It is particularly well-suited for older engines equipped with pre-nodular cast iron blocks and featuring numerous copper and brass components.

Hawk Vintage Cool 180° eliminates water from the cooling system and the problems associated with it: oxidation corrosion, cavitation, high pressure, and steam formation in the hottest areas of the engine. With a boiling point above 180°C and a freezing point below -40°C, it is an especially effective solution for preserving vintage engines.

Note: The period up to the years 1950–1959 serves as a guideline to facilitate selection. Engine design and the materials used in the cooling system remain the primary considerations. Hawk specifies that Vintage Cool 180° is not suitable for engines using a thermosiphon cooling system.

Important: Properly prepare the cooling system with Prep Fluid

Preparing the cooling system is essential before switching to Hawk waterless coolant if the engine contains or has contained water-based coolant. In a classic vehicle, simply draining the system may leave a significant quantity of water in the engine block, radiator, pipes, and other components of thecooling system.

The conversion must therefore be properly carried out beforehand using the Prep Fluid 5L. This fluid removes any residual water remaining after the drain before the system is finally filled with Hawk Vintage Cool 180° waterless cooling fluid.

After conversion, Hawk recommends that the residual water content be ideally 3% or less. This value can be checked with a refractometer. Careful preparation of the cooling system is essential to fully benefit from the properties of a water-free cooling fluid.

The Benefits of Hawk Vintage Cool 180° Cooling Fluid

• Specially formulated forclassic cars: developed for vintage engines with pre-nodular cast iron blocks and numerous copper and brass components.
• 100% water-free: Can be used undiluted with water after proper preparation of the water circuit.
• Boiling point above 180°C: significantly reduces boiling and vapor formation in the hottest areas of the engine.
• Freezing point below -40°C: no additional antifreeze needs to be added.
• 75% lower vapor pressure: significantly reduces stress on hoses, gaskets, and system components, according to Hawk.
• Reduced cavitation erosion: Hawk reports a 75% reduction compared to water-based cooling fluids.
• Corrosion protection: The absence of water eliminates oxidation corrosion, according to Hawk—a particularly valuable benefit for preserving older cooling systems.
• Heat protection for the internal combustion engine: Reduced vapor formation and hot spots help limit certain overheating conditions that can lead to cylinder head gasket failure.
• System preservation: Low vapor pressure and reduced cavitation help limit the stress placed on the various components of the cooling system.
• Extremely long operating time: Hawk reports a proven operating time of over 20 years and one million miles without replacement.
• Non-toxic and biodegradable: Hawk states that Vintage Cool 180° has been tested and certified as non-toxic by an EPA-approved laboratory, that it is biodegradable, and that it does not bioaccumulate.

Specifications of Hawk Vintage Cool 180° Waterless Cooling Fluid 5L

• Type: Waterless engine cooling fluid
• Brand: Hawk Waterless Coolants
• Range: Vintage Cool 180°
• Volume: 5 liters
• Application: Classic cars / vintage vehicles / collector cars
• Recommended for: Vehicles up to the years 1950 to 1959
• Engine type: Older engines with pre-nodular cast iron blocks
• Materials particularly affected: Cast iron / copper / brass
• Usage: Undiluted with water
• System preparation: Pre-treatment with Prep Fluid when converting from a water-based coolant
• Boiling point: Above 180°C
• Freezing point: Below -40°C
• Vapor pressure: 75% lower than water-based fluids, according to Hawk
• Cavitation erosion: Reported 75% reduction compared to water-based fluids
• Water content after conversion: Ideally ≤ 3%
• Water content control: Refractometer
• Color: Transparent purple
• Odor: Virtually odorless
• Thermosiphon compatibility: No
• Environmental profile: Biodegradable / does not bioaccumulate according to Hawk
• Former brand name: Evans Waterless Coolants
• Former product name: Evans Vintage Cool 180°

Why is Hawk Vintage Cool 180° suitable for classic cars?

Engines in classic cars can differ significantly from modern engines. Hawk specifically designs Vintage Cool 180° for engines equipped with pre-nodular cast iron blocks containing numerous copper and brass components. This composition is particularly characteristic of many classic engines and explains the value of a formulation specifically developed for this type of vehicle.

To help you choose between the different products in the range, a general guideline is that Vintage Cool 180° is primarily suited for vehicles dating back to the 1950s. For more recent classic cars, particularly those from the 1950s to the 1980s, Classic Cool 180° will generally be more appropriate.

However, the vehicle’s year of manufacture is only a general guide. The engine design and the materials used in the cylinder block, radiator, and cooling system should remain the primary selection criteria.

Why switch a classic car to a waterless cooling fluid?

Eliminating water offers particular benefits for older vehicles. Over years, corrosion of the engine block, radiator, and various metal components of the cooling system can become a significant problem. According to Hawk, eliminating water helps prevent oxidation-related corrosion.

Conventional cooling fluid can also generate steam in the hottest areas of the engine. When the cooling fluid boils locally, vapor locks can form and significantly reduce heat transfer to the metal surfaces. This can lead to localized hot spots that promote overheating and may contribute to a blown head gasket.

With a boiling point above 180°C, Hawk Vintage Cool 180° remains liquid at temperatures at which a standard cooling fluid may begin to produce steam. The cooling fluid thus maintains contact with hot metal surfaces and helps ensure more uniform heat transfer.

The vapor pressure, which is 75% lower than that of water-based coolants, is also a significant advantage for classic cars. It reduces the stress placed on hoses, gaskets, and various components of the cooling system, some of which may be old or difficult to replace.

Caution for vehicles equipped with a thermosiphon cooling system

Hawk Vintage Cool 180° is not suitable for engines using a thermosiphon cooling system. This must be verified before converting a classic car to a water-free cooling fluid system.

Thermosiphon systems rely on the natural circulation of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density. They therefore do not operate on the same principle as a forced-circulation system equipped with a water pump.

A slightly higher engine temperature may be normal

After switching to Hawk waterless cooling fluid, the displayed operating temperature may rise slightly. Hawk states in its FAQ that an increase of approximately 3 to 7°C may be observed after the conversion.

This difference does not necessarily mean that the engine is overheating. The coolant remains liquid at high temperatures and helps limit vapor formation and localized hot spots in the engine.

Evans Vintage Cool Becomes Hawk Vintage Cool

Evans Waterless Coolants is now known as Hawk Waterless Coolants. This change pertains to the brand identity and not to the product formulation. The former Evans Vintage Cool 180° waterless cooling fluid is now Hawk Vintage Cool 180°. If you were already using Evans Vintage Cool, you’ll find this same formulation under the new Hawk brand.

GT2i is an official retailer of the Hawk Waterless Coolants brand. At GT2i, you’ll find Hawk waterless cooling fluids as well as the products needed to prepare and convert your cooling system.

How do you switch to Hawk Vintage Cool 180° waterless cooling fluid?

When converting from a standard cooling fluid, start by thoroughly draining the system, then prepare it using Prep Fluid. This step helps remove as much water as possible from the engine after draining.

Use the 5L Prep Fluid before the final fill. After conversion, Hawk recommends that the residual water content be ideally 3% or less, which can be checked using a refractometer.

Once the cooling system has been properly prepared, Hawk Vintage Cool 180° can be used undiluted with water. The volume required for filling is comparable to that used with a standard cooling fluid.

Hawk Vintage Cool 180° must never be intentionally diluted with water. Adding water reduces the benefits sought with a waterless cooling fluid.

FAQ - Hawk Vintage Cool 180° Waterless Cooling Fluid

For which cars is Hawk Vintage Cool 180° recommended?
Vintage Cool 180° is intended for classic cars and collector’s vehicles, particularly those with pre-nodular cast iron engine blocks containing numerous copper and brass components. As a general guideline, it is primarily suitable for vehicles dating back to the 1950s.

What is the difference between Hawk Vintage Cool and Classic Cool?
Vintage Cool 180° is specifically designed for older engines, particularly those with pre-nodular cast iron blocks and a significant amount of copper and brass. The Classic Cool 180° is better suited for later generations of classic cars. As a general rule of thumb, Vintage Cool is primarily for vehicles up to 1950, and Classic Cool is for those from around 1950 to 1980.

Is the Hawk Vintage Cool 180° suitable for thermosiphon systems?
No. Hawk explicitly states that Vintage Cool 180° is not suitable for engines that use thermosiphon cooling. This specification must be verified before any conversion.

Why use a water-free coolant in a classic car?
Removing water helps reduce several issues that are particularly problematic for older engines: oxidation corrosion, cavitation, pressure in the cooling system, and steam formation at high temperatures. The main goal is to protect the engine, radiator, gaskets, and various components of the cooling system.

Should Prep Fluid be used before Hawk Vintage Cool 180°?
Yes, when converting from a system that contains or has contained a water-based coolant. Simply draining the system may leave water in the engine. The system must be properly prepared with Prep Fluid 5L before the final fill.

What quantity of water can remain after the conversion?
Hawk recommends that the residual water content be ideally 3% or less. This value can be checked using a refractometer.

Can Hawk Vintage Cool 180° be mixed with water?
No. Vintage Cool 180° must not be intentionally diluted with water. Adding water reduces the benefits intended with a water-free cooling fluid.

Can water be added in an emergency?
Yes, but only as a temporary fix when it is impossible to top off the water level with Hawk fluid. This solution must remain temporary. After adding water, you must drain the system again and thoroughly prepare the circuit with Prep Fluid before refilling with Hawk waterless coolant.

Do I need to add antifreeze to Hawk Vintage Cool 180°?
No. Its freezing point is below -40°C. No additional antifreeze should be added.

Is it normal for the engine temperature to be slightly higher after the conversion?
Yes. Hawk indicates that an increase of approximately 3 to 7°C may be observed after switching to waterless coolant. This difference does not necessarily mean that the engine is overheating.

Does Hawk Vintage Cool protect against corrosion?
Yes. According to Hawk, the absence of water helpsprevent oxidation-related corrosion. This property is particularly beneficial for older engines and systems that use materials such as cast iron, copper, and brass.

Are Evans Vintage Cool and Hawk Vintage Cool the same product?
Yes. Evans Waterless Coolants has become Hawk Waterless Coolants. The former Evans Vintage Cool 180° is now marketed as Hawk Vintage Cool 180°. The formulation remains unchanged.