Antifreeze/Coolant

onerare39

I'm getting ready to start a freshly rebuilt 308 with an aluminum head and want to know what particular brand of antifreeze/coolant will give me the best anti corrosion protection factoring in the cast iron and aluminum. I've heard good things about Prestone and bad things about Dexcool. Also I've heard pros and cons about using distilled water for a 50/50 mix. I can't believe that distilled water could be an issue, but then I'm not Mr. Science.



Thanks

RL Chilton

I've never heard negative feedback about distilled water. My recommendation is to use the 50/50 mix, particularly in older cars. Brand of anti-freeze is a toss-up, but when unsure, I usually stick with a tried and true manufacturer, like Prestone and stay away from the generic labels. My reasoning is, why save a few pennies on an unknown for a vehicle in which you've placed so much sweat, blood, tears and $$$$.



My .02 worth--

hudsonguy

You may just want to start with plain water when starting that fresh rebuild. It's actually better at removing the heat than a 50/50 mix, plus there will probably be at least a few contaminants floating around, as good as it's probably been cleaned you can't get them all, so you're able to dump it all out after 50 miles or so, and then put in your anti-freeze. I'd also put in a bottle of water pump lube at that time, which is basically soluble oil. I just replaced my coolant this spring with Peak Extended Life anti-freeze. My .02 as well...

Unknown

hudsonguy wrote:

You may just want to start with plain water when starting that fresh rebuild. It's actually better at removing the heat than a 50/50 mix, plus there will probably be at least a few contaminants floating around, as good as it's probably been cleaned you can't get them all, so you're able to dump it all out after 50 miles or so, and then put in your anti-freeze. I'd also put in a bottle of water pump lube at that time, which is basically soluble oil. I just replaced my coolant this spring with Peak Extended Life anti-freeze. My .02 as well...

This is excellent advice. My Dad always did this way and I have followed the practice on all my rebuilds. Except that I used the water pump lube with water only for the first 100 miles or so. This provides the pump with a lube and prevents rust during the break in. After break in, you won't need the lube when you go to a coolant, its in there already.