Radiator Coolant

[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