antifreeze

[Robert Brennan]

Anyone have any experience with this product?
http://www.peakauto.com/products/antifr ... hgod4G0Gyw
If the link fails, it is Peak Sierra, a non toxic antifreeze.

Bob Brennan
TC 7794 EXU

[Gene Gillam]

No idea Bob but it looks good.

[Kameron M]

PEAK is a rather established brand, and Propylene Glycol pretty much has the same properties as Ethylene Glycol except that it is non-toxic. If you are concerned about the safety of children or pets PG antifreeze should be just as good as any other antifreeze for your car. Otherwise Ethelyene Glycol is much cheaper.

[Robert Brennan]

Peak Sierra is only $12.99 at Ace Hardware, so price is not relevant. We're empty nesters and I can't get my wife's cats to drink the old antifreeze, so toxicity is not an issue. I came across this regarding propylene glycol:
https://citroenclassics.wordpress.com/2 ... lder-cars/
Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME

[Richard Michell]

This site may help. http://www.dow.com/heattrans/support/se ... pylene.htm

The big advantage of propylene glycol is its much lower toxicity than ethylene glycol. Almost all other properties, from the old car perspective, are worse.

Both products, if used neat, potentially increase corrosion in the cooling system. So just as, if not more, important is the anti-corrosion additives used by the formulator of the coolant. Corrosion protection is also the reason that the coolant needs to be changed regularly (the additives are consumed chemically in doing their job).

[frenchblatter]

Seeing as I have a new rad core, new thermostat and housing I've used modern coolant. I'll let you know in five years time if it is OK.

[Robert Brennan]

Thanks for the info, RM. Not sure I'm convinced since Dow makes Prestone, maker of ethylene glycol antifreeze.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbide
I could cite other old car sources, but I suggest you do your own investigation. I would urge those who use "5 year", "long life" products "OAT" antifreeze in their antique cars to research it.

Bob Brennan
S. Freeport, ME

[Richard Michell]

Bob, I agree that Dow may have a vested interest but I think that the physical chemistry is not particularly controversial. Here is another summary. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/ethyl ... d_904.html

I fully agree with your caution on OAT-based long-life products.

[Kameron M]

then from the perspective of what is best for the car, it almost sounds like the cheap standard green stuff is the best option?

[Robert Brennan]

The conclusion of the Citroen link that I sent was:

"The solution is to use Propylene Glycol based coolant, and from March 19th 2012 we no longer have toxic ethylene glycol coolant in our workshop, we now use exclusively non-toxic, environmentally friendly, long lasting, pre-mixed Propylene Glycol coolant."

They list their reasons they believe PG is not only better for the environment, but a superior antifreeze for our cars. And with the $2 rebate ($10.99), Sierra is cheap. And green.

Bob