Radiator Coolant

[Richard]

An expansion tank is always a good idea

What would be the advantage of fitting one to a 6 cyl car and has anyone done it?

Richard

[Rubbond]

If I remember correctly, the V-12 Jaguar engine has aluminium cylinder
heads.
Surely any main dealer's service department would know which coulant to use?

[406Special]

Kevin,

The brass cylinder you describe was supplied by Spencer Lane Jones
directly to BCL as a better alternative - greater capacity and made
from a used artillery shell.

The obvious benefit of an expansion tank, especially in a pressurised
environment like the V8 is that sometimes, due to many factors,
specifically heat, the water will expand out of the engine, out of
the radiator and into the expansion tank and out of the overflow pipe
onto the ground - lost forever. If the expansion tank does not have
sufficient capacity then when the water cools (after you switch off
or go fast enough for the radiator to work efficiently, the reverse
pressure (as water contracts) will suck in AIR and not WATER. This
is why many older V8's with the plastic or small metal overflow tank
are useless as during hot summers the water expands more than the
contents of the tank, hence always looking like you lose water -
which you do, unless of course you have a decent sized one like
Kevin's. No pun intended.

Clyde

I pick up my Volvo Penta 2.5 litre short block this week to give my
new special a boost in low down grunt.

[geo]

The one on my 412 was made of steel (only the pipe connections were
brass) and corroded rather badly (eventually leaking). I saw a local
(to Isleworth) 412 where the owner had had made a replica in
Stainless - a catering utensils company had made it for him at fairly
modest cost.

As to the 6-cylinder cars, I have wondered about this with a couple
of non-Bristols. It would be useful if someone with a better grip on
the chemistry could reply to this, but to my mind, with a non-sealed
system all the expansion bottle would be doing would be to collect
the coolant that expanded and with such a system, the coolant would
be exposed to the atmosphere and would still deteriorate at the same
fast rate. Those who know better, please give the true answer?

The last time I read an article on different types of
anti-freeze/coolant additive, the conclusion seemed to be that if one
used distilled water roughly 1:1 with a top-quality antifreeze in a
closed cooling system, then one might expect it to last far in excess
of 3 years. The further suggestion was that 100% antifreeze (if it
did not find weaknesses in the system) would exceed 5 years. Although
it was a good article in other ways, these final estimates were
somewhat lacking in evidential support, alas.

George

[RGSchmitt]

Hi all -

There are "modern" coolants better than glycol. I've had Dex-Cool in
my Imperial/Mopar engine for "a long time" - it still is clear and
there's no signs of corrosion. Of course, not much aluminum in this engine.

This is the original formula Dex-Cool. It's been re-formulated
because of some complaints and is sold in the US by
Zerex/Valvoline. Their website states:

GM DEX-COOL Approved Protection for up to 5 years / 150,000 miles
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) minimizes corrosion inhibitor depletion
Patented formula contains no silicates, phosphates, borates, nitrates
or amines
Excellent rust and corrosion protection
Helps prevent boil-overs and freeze-ups
Protects all cooling system metals including aluminum

Surely there must be something similar available outside the US that
will inhibit aluminum corrosion better than distilled water.

Bob

[Richard]

What about Evans NPG coolant? Their website, http://evanscooling.com/main22.htm claims it as a cure-all for all ills including overheating since it boils at 190°C. It is a non-aqueous propylene glycol coolant, apparently non-corrosive and non-toxic. I think it is available in the UK, try ebay.
Anyone used it or have experience with it?

Richard

[Bellerophon]

For what it is worth, Jaguar Cars used Barrs Leaks from new on all there XK
six cylinder engines as standard.
Also, Borax type antifreeze was made to a BS spec. type C which was only
used by the Army, we tended to use the old Bluecol type A, but this would cause
the engine to run hotter in the warm weather.

The modern antifreezes which are standard in all new cars produced are to a
higher performance and should cover all applications with no problems.

My regards,
Bellerophon

[geo]

Originally Posted by RGSchmitt

Hi all -

I've had Dex-Cool in
my Imperial/Mopar engine for "a long time" -

This is the original formula Dex-Cool. It's been re-formulated
because of some complaints and is sold in the US by
Zerex/Valvoline. Their website states:

GM DEX-COOL Approved Protection for up to 5 years / 150,000 miles
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) minimizes corrosionBob

Thanks Bob, but on the other hand, a respected US consumer site suggests a rather different picture with regard to both corrosion and GM approving Dex-Cool?
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...m_dexcool.html

Geo

[RGSchmitt]

Hi all -

Thanks - I know about the Dex-Cool complaints, but only can relate my
experiences. I flushed my cooling system and put in Dex-Cool March,
1997 (!!). The car gets serviced by a very good independent shop run
by a former GM service manager and he has raised no cautions.

Next time I take out the Imperial, I'll take a photo of the
coolant. Last time I looked, it was clear and bright orange. Many
will think I'm an idiot for leaving the coolant in for 11 years, but
I've likely done far more stupid acts in the last 11 years...

Bob

PS We're headed up to Monterey next Friday, a full week before the
regular events. We'll go to the "pre-historic" vintage races (no
admission), the Carmel "street" concours and a few wineries. This
year we're skipping the glitz, but I think we'll still get a good
"car fix". Also will be driving an obscure route.