Hawk Classic Cool 180° Waterless Cooling Fluid 2L

The Hawk Classic Cool 180° 2L waterless cooling fluid is designed for classic cars and vintage vehicles. As a guideline for selection, this formulation is particularly suited for vehicles manufactured between approximately 1950 and 1980, with priority given to the engine’s design and the materials used in its cooling system.

Hawk Classic Cool 180° is intended for classic engines primarily made of cast iron and also containing steel, copper, and aluminum components. By removing water from the system, it helps combat several issues that are particularly important to control in older engines: oxidation corrosion, cavitation, vapor formation, and pressure buildup in the system.

Its boiling point, which exceeds 180°C, significantly limits vapor formation in the engine’s hottest areas, while its freezing point, which is below -40°C, ensures protection against freezing without the need for antifreeze.

Warning: Hawk states that Classic Cool 180° is not suitable for engines using a thermosiphon cooling system. This must be verified before converting any classic vehicle.

The Benefits of Hawk Classic Cool 180° Cooling Fluid

• Developed for classic cars: a formulation suited for engines primarily made of cast iron with steel, copper, and aluminum components.
• Water-free: eliminates issues directly related to the presence of water in the cooling system.
• Boiling point above 180°C: significantly reduces the risk of localized boiling and vapor formation.
• Freezing point below -40°C: no additional antifreeze is required.
• 75% lower vapor pressure: reduces stress on hoses, gaskets, and cooling system components, according to Hawk.
• 75% reduction in cavitation erosion: helps preserve cooling system components.
• Corrosion protection: The absence of water eliminates oxidative corrosion, according to Hawk.
• Limited hot spots: By reducing vapor formation, the fluid remains in contact with metal surfaces under high thermal stress for longer.
• Preservation of older systems: The low vapor pressure is particularly beneficial for limiting stress on hoses, gaskets, and components in a conventional vehicle.
• Extremely long operating time: Hawk claims over 20 years and one million miles of service without the need for replacement.
• Non-toxic and biodegradable: Hawk states that Classic Cool 180° is certified as non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-bioaccumulative.

Important: Prepare the cooling system before switching to waterless coolant

Converting a classic car to Hawk Classic Cool 180° requires proper preparation of the cooling system if it contains or has previously contained water-based cooling fluid.

After a drain, water may remain in the engine block, cylinder head, radiator, heater, and certain pipes. This residual water must be removed as thoroughly as possible to preserve the benefits sought with a water-free cooling fluid.

First, use the 5L Hawk Prep Fluid to properly prepare the cooling system. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, the Prep Fluid helps remove residual water before the final fill with Classic Cool 180°.

After conversion, Hawk recommends that the residual water content be ideally 3% or less. This value can be checked using a refractometer.

Specifications for Hawk Classic Cool 180° 2L Water-Free Cooling Fluid

• Type: Waterless engine cooling fluid
• Brand: Hawk Waterless Coolants
• Range: Classic Cool 180°
• Capacity: 2 liters
• Application: Classic cars / vintage cars
• Recommended for: Vehicles from approximately 1950 to 1980
• Engine type: Classic engines, primarily cast iron
• Materials: Cast iron / steel / copper / aluminum
• State: Low-viscosity synthetic fluid
• Boiling point: Above 180°C
• Freezing point: Below -40°C
• Vapor pressure: 75% lower than that of water-based fluids, according to Hawk
• Cavitation erosion: Reported 75% reduction compared to water-based liquids
• Color: Transparent green
• Odor: Virtually odorless
• Thermosiphon compatibility: No
• System preparation: Prep Fluid required when converting from a system containing water
• Water content after conversion: Ideally 3% or less
• Water content check: Refractometer
• Former brand name: Evans Waterless Coolants
• Former product name: Evans Classic Cool 180°

Why use Hawk Classic Cool 180° in a classic car?

The cooling systems in classic cars were designed using materials and technologies that can differ significantly from those in modern automobiles. Engines primarily made of cast iron, combined with components made of steel, copper, and aluminum, are precisely what Hawk Classic Cool 180° is designed for.

To help guide your choice, consider the period from 1950 to 1980 as a general guideline for Classic Cool. However, this guideline does not replace the need to identify the engine’s specific technology. For older vehicles—particularly those with engine components that make heavier use of copper and brass— Vintage Cool 180° may be more appropriate.

The formulation should therefore be selected based on the vehicle’s age, the engine’s design, and the materials used in the cooling system.

Why Remove Water from a Classic Car’s Water Circuit?

One of the main advantages of switching to a water-free coolant in a classic car is the preservation of the cooling system. Over time, corrosion can affect the engine block, the radiator, and various metal components. According to Hawk, the absence of water eliminates oxidation-induced corrosion.

Removing water also helps limit vapor formation. In particularly hot areas of the engine, standard cooling fluid can boil locally. The vapor locks created in this way reduce heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the metal surfaces.

Localized hot spots can then develop, creating conditions for overheating that may contribute to a blown head gasket. With a boiling point exceeding 180°C, Hawk Classic Cool 180° significantly limits this phenomenon.

Lower Pressure in the Cooling System

Hawk reports that Classic Cool 180° generates 75% less vapor pressure than a water-based cooling fluid. This property helps reduce the stress placed on hoses, gaskets, and various components of the cooling system.

This benefit is particularly valuable in a classic car, where some components of the cooling system may be old, restored, or difficult to replace.

Hawk also reports a 75% reduction in cavitation erosion, helping to preserve components exposed to fluid flow.

Caution Regarding Thermosiphon Cooling

Hawk Classic Cool 180° is not suitable for engines using a thermosiphon cooling system. It is therefore important to determine how the cooling system operates before converting a classic car.

A thermosiphon system relies on natural fluid circulation created by differences in temperature and density. It does not operate on the same principle as a forced-circulation system equipped with a water pump.

Evans Classic Cool Becomes Hawk Classic Cool

Evans Waterless Cooling Fluid is now known as Hawk Waterless Cooling Fluid. The former Evans Classic Cool 180° waterless cooling fluid is now marketed under the name Hawk Classic Cool 180°.

The formulation remains unchanged: this is a rebranding. Users already familiar with Evans Classic Cool will therefore find the same product under the new Hawk brand.

GT2i is an official dealer of Hawk Waterless Coolants and offers waterless cooling fluids as well as the products needed to prepare the cooling system.

How do you switch to Hawk Classic Cool 180°?

Start by draining as much of the old cooling fluid as possible. The system must then be flushed with Prep Fluid to remove any remaining water from the engine.

Use the 5L Hawk Prep Fluid. Once the preparation is complete, the Prep Fluid must be drained before the final fill with Classic Cool 180°.

Hawk Classic Cool 180° is then used undiluted with water. It must never be intentionally diluted, as adding water reduces the benefits intended with this technology.

FAQ - Hawk Classic Cool 180° Waterless Cooling Fluid 2L

For which cars is Hawk Classic Cool 180° recommended?
Classic Cool 180° is intended for classic cars and collector’s vehicles, particularly those with engines primarily made of cast iron that also include steel, copper, and aluminum components. The period from approximately 1950 to 1980 serves as a guideline for selecting the right product.

What is the difference between Hawk Classic Cool and Vintage Cool?
As a general guideline, Vintage Cool 180° is primarily intended for vehicles dating back to the 1950s and older engines, while Classic Cool 180° is better suited for classic cars from approximately 1950 to 1980. The materials and design of the engine remain the key factors in selecting the right formulation.

Why choose the 2-liter size?
The 2L size allows youto adjust the quantity of fluid to the actual capacity of the cooling system. It can be used in combination with other containers when the volume needed to fill the system does not exactly match a 5-liter package.

Is Hawk Classic Cool suitable for an engine with a thermosiphon cooling system?
No. Hawk states that Classic Cool 180° is not suitable for engines using a thermosiphon cooling system.

Why use a water-free coolant in a classic car?
The absence of water helps reduce problems such as oxidation-induced corrosion, cavitation, vapor formation, and pressure buildup in the cooling system. These properties are particularly beneficial for preserving older engine components and cooling systems.

Should Prep Fluid be used before Classic Cool 180°?
Yes, if the cooling system contains or has contained a water-based coolant. Hawk Prep Fluid (5L ) helps remove residual water before the final fill.

Can Hawk Classic Cool be mixed with water?
No. Classic Cool 180° must never be intentionally diluted with water. Adding water gradually 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’s impossible to top off the water level with Hawk fluid. This solution must remain temporary. A new drain and a complete refill using Prep Fluid must then be performed before returning to the waterless coolant.

Should antifreeze be added?
No. The freezing point of Classic Cool 180° is below -40°C. No additional antifreeze should be added.

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