Radiator Coolant

[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.

[UK6]

RADIATOR COOLANT CONT.

Hello Forum,
Thank you for your advice re Radiator Coolant.
I have just returned from chatting with the foreman of my local Jaguar
workshop in Western Australia. The shop uses and recommends Castrol
"Radi-Cool" for all their Jags. The following technical data on the side of
the container reads as follows:
The "Radi-Cool" comes in either concentrated or premixed form.
The pre mixed coolant contains 33% ethylene glycol and 10mg/kg of denatonum
benzoate - max bp elevation 109 degrees C (no mention of corresponding
pressure). Further, the coolant exceeds the Aust. Corrosion Studies Standard
(AS 2108.1) and has a 3yr /60 000km service life - approx $22/5L in Aust.

I note that Castrol also produces an inhibitor called "Radi-Cool" as well.
The Radi-Cool inhibitor comes in 200mL containers, 45% of which (not sure if
it is by vol or mass) is glycol and contains benzoate as well.
One can or approx $5 Aust. worth will treat a small cooling system.
I suspect that the inhibitor composition is very similar if not the same as
the coolant except for the glycol percentage. The note on the side of the
inhibitor container states that the inhibitor can be mixed with the Castrol
Radi-Cool coolant.

In summary, I feel that the best prescription for my cooling system is
either the Castrol inhibitor+ distilled water or 33% premixed Castrol
coolant if I want a degree (excuse the pun) of bp elevation.
It's nice to know that I can mix either freely if I change my mind and
require a higher bp afforded by the 33% glycol mixture.
I need to build a new radiator, so I will include the necessary fittings to
feed a semi sealed fluid recovery tank. I will take the jag shop foreman's
advice and change the coolant at least every two years. Irrespective of the
brand of coolant/inhibitor, I believe that this last point is probably the
most important.

Regards to all,

Brett Boughton

Ps Bob S. If you bump into Jack Perkins and the Bristol Warrior whilst at
Monterey, could you kindly give him my regards and thank him for championing
my dad's old car - would love to see some contemporary snaps of the Warrior
and similar if you have time.

[RGSchmitt]

Brett -

If I find the Bristol Warrior at the Monterey "pre-historics" I'll
definitely take photos and look for its crew. I'be previously heard
there will be a pre-war Frazer Nash there, so it's also on the list.

Bob