Re: Correct Radiator Coolant- HELP

Posted by Peter Packard On 2015/11/14 4:21:31

Hi all,
I have been into Green Glycol coolants for the past 40 years, primarilary for the anti-corrosion properties. For some vehicles I have instead used a soluble oil lathe type additive. However, over the past few years I have had radiator core leaking problems with vehicles using the Glycol types of anti-freeze, anti-corrosion products. These are classed as IAT and OAT products. My affected Packards have mainly been my 35 1205 Super ( alloy head) and my 27 533 ( copper/soldered radiator)which I wasn't too worried about. But when I acquired a 1934 P11 Roller with a crossflow alloy head and lots of head corrosion that I really started to look into the issue. Essentially all of the modern Glycol anti corrosion/antifreeze coolants are designed for aluminium radiators with no solder or copper or brass. They eat solder/brass and copper away at varying rates. There are a number of websites giving details of the issue which you should look at. If you have a new radiator or a cast iron head and block then you should just use the Green Coolant/anti-corroson Glycol as you will have 25 years of bliss. I have converted ALL of my pre 80's vehicles with original radiators to de-mineralised water and a water-wetter anti-corrosion additive. The additive of course requires annual renewal so it is not a silver bullet for the problem. PT