Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 08:48:02 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Antifreeze WAS: stainless steel coolant pipes
In-Reply-To: <1273192530.2550.8.camel@mirror>
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I read that GoWesty recommends this antifreeze, too. I'm glad you said low-tox, as some folks seem to think it is non-toxic. Ethylene glycol is degraded fairly rapidly, so that most jurisdictions and EPA allow its disposal in the sanitary sewage system, but not of course in storm sewers. Same applies to propylene glycol, the active agent in Sierra. Advantage of the latter is that a spill on an impermeable surface that leaves liquid lying about is less acutely damaging to the kidneys and heart (but not non-damaging) of mammals that might slurp it up. They are somewhat less likely to drink it, too. Seems the taste of ethylene glycol is attractive to them (and it's not that it is sweet, though it is. Cats, the main victims, do not taste or prefer sweetness). DMc
---- Will Taygan <lists@ALASKABIODIESEL.ORG> wrote:
> I use Sierra low-tox propylene glycol coolant in all my 1.6 VW diesels.
> Phosphate-free. It's green!
>
> Will in Alaska.
>
> On Thu, 2010-05-06 at 18:29 -0500, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> > ---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > > my 'normal' Good Stuff is Prestone Extended Life anti-frz.
> > >
> > > A parts store counterman once told me a-frz is really only made by a few
> > > compannies in the US ..and even when you get a slightly off-brand, you are
> > > getting basically good stuff.
> >
> > Prestone Extended Life antifreeze is labeled to be phosphate free. Peak antifreeze is not so labeled, nor is Prestone "regular."
> >
> > May be that only a handful of companies make antifreeze. If so, they are putting out a bunch of different labels with different colors of dye, like blue, red, yellow, green ............... . Purple and orange for all I know. A few years back, antifreeze was green, period. Then car companies started with their own labels and colors, and admonitions to use only "approved" coolant, which they helpfully (for themselves) chose not to define. Now ?????????? Most antifreeze, as has been stated on the list repeatedly, states on the label that it is compatible with all other brands and colors, and is suitable for all engines. But, that's from the maker/seller. How are we to know? But if the label specifies "phosphate free," I'll accept that. For now, because when I was getting cooling system work done I couldn't find any labeled as phosphate free, my waterboxer has VW brand blue stuff. Next time, I'll get Zerex or Prestone long life stuff that is labeled as phosphate free.
> >
> > I've mostly lived in places that had very hard water, except for a stint in Kentucky. At least with hard water, the lead in the copper-line solder in the house pipes stays put, rather than mobilizing.
> >
> > David McNeely
> >
--
David McNeely
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