Antique auto anti-freeze

Kdancy

Just a reminder--- (of course, always use with distilled water)

Anti-freeze in antique cars

You want to look at is the Buick General forum
post #283322 from June 5, 2010 response #18. This is what was part of
that discussion:



Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an "Extended Life" antifreeze,
which utilizes Organic Additive Technology
(OAT, H-OAT, or N-OAT) as one of its
chemicals, ever be used in our cars over 10 years old. It attacks the gaskets
and gasket cements in our cars, causing major leaks and forcing ultra-expensive
repairs. The "Silver Ghost Association" Rolls Royce people have
documented massive cooling system failures apparently caused by this
anti-freeze product.

Antifreeze that can be used safely in our cars uses older-fashioned Inorganic
Additive Technology (IAT) additive.

You cannot tell by the color of the antifreeze if it's safe to use. Also, the
product may be labeled "Safe for Older Cars"--meaning 10 years old at
most. Brands to be AVOIDED are all Prestone lines and Zerex's
G-05 in the Gold-color container. Avoid any "extended-life"
antifreeze. None of us wants to pull and rebuild our cars' engines.

Stude8

In a warm climate with no danger of freezing just run
well water with cutting oil in it. No foam, lubrication for the water pump, and
if you push water or overheat for some reason, it washes off with a garden
hose. 35 years and still no problems. Try it. Ed

To date, the industry has overlooked the volume/number of
old car users who may inadvertently buy their products and the potential risks
that this consumption represents. In 2006 there was a survey conducted relating
to the 'old car' movement and its contribution to the EU economy. In the UK
this was coordinated by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs
(FBHVC), which is an umbrella body, funded by all of the recognized auto clubs,
to fight poorly drafted EU automotive regulations that may accidentally drive
old cars off the road. The findings, for the UK alone, were that this business
sector contributed £2 billion (say $3.8 billion) to the UK economy alone. If
the coolant manufacturers and retailers carelessly move to OAT inhibitors
without considering the ramifications on the old car sector they may find that
class actions through the courts will damage their Balance Sheets as much as
these products do our old engines.

I believe Bill Vatter, in RROC postings, has already coined the warning slogan:


If it is RED - STOP

If it is yellow - proceed at your own risk

If it is
green (or blue) - it is OK to use FOR NOW.

Make sure you check.

tombia

Reminds me of the oil and unleaded gas controversies, I have been using whatever antifreeze is available for 30 plus years in my Model T and my Terraplane  8 in addition to the various stepdowns I have owned in the last 50 years with no problems.. 

J Spencer

As with Tombia I have been using mostly extended life  anti freeze in my 51 Pacemaker for 26 years now and have hade no problems. Kdancy does have a valid point  to some degree because there ws(is?) a class action law suit against GM because it was found that the Dex-Cool anti freeze formula was a reason GM was having intake/head gasket issues.  You can Google Dex-Cool GM lawsuit to get more info.   A lot of auto repair shops were switching to Prestone or Peak when servicing a vehicle...    Oddly my 2002 Buick LeSabre was changed before I bought it seven years ago.  Don't know if it was good or bad because right now I have a small leak from the intake @ the head.

KTRON

What is the head gasket/rotor in the water pump/seals made of that they might be subject to corrosion?

I would think that they would have a copper head gasket and bronze water pump impeller like my similar vintage Waukesha/Continental engines

Chris