coolant question

[supersteve]

http://www2.itap.purdue.edu/MSDS/docs/3272.pdf

This MSDS from Purdue University actually lists every single thing in Texaco made, GM brand Dexcool. They use sodium based chemicals also.

This page lists Phillips 76 antifreeze.
http://www2.itap.purdue.edu/MSDS/docs/12487.pdf
Nothing but:
Ethylene glycol
Diethylene glycol

[E61Silver]

How much does "BMW" coolant cost?

My guess is that BMW cares about quality and its good stuff.
Lets assume your paying $100 more it really does not mean much.

The one thing that is certain is that after 4 or 5 years new coolant is a good idea.

If your coolant level is down it may mean that you have a leak and it might be a good idea to check the hoses. It might be a good time to change the hoses.

Mixing coolant is not a good idea, yes its fine to get you home but its probably a good idea to put new coolant in the system.

[supersteve]

The BMW coolant cost $18 an bottle.

BTW Zerex says we are all wrong and should be using Yellow.

I think we can all agree on is that it is a good idea to replace your antifreeze on a regular basis and you must be careful with mixing types. A complete flush, including the heater core, is a requirement if your changing fluids.

If your level is dropping and you have no leaks, chances are the water in the mixure is boiling off. The most important factor for the life of you cooling system is the pH. Straight water is 7. The best range I have been able to find for all cooling systems is between 8 and 9. Topping off with Deionized water and keeping an eye on the pH is the safest way to go until the next change.

Would you agree?

[noncom23]

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...20-%202006.pdf
No help.

[withidl]

Well everybody, if your interested go to the following two web addresses and decide for yourselves whether I or "Supersteve" are giving you the correct information:

http://www.havoline.com/products/na/antifreeze_01.html

http://www.havoline.com/products/na/...e_01_tech.html

[supersteve]

Originally Posted by supersteve

Withidl,

The MSDS sheet for Texaco and AC-Delco Dexcool lists the following:
Ethylene glycol
Diethylene glycol
Potasium 2-ethylhexanoate
Water

They use Potasium 2-ethylhexanoate Vs. Sodium 2-ethylhexanoate which is stated on the Prestone label. Apparently not all dexcool is created equal. Suprizing? Not really.

In either case the supposed benifit to Dexcool is that it forms a "protective barrier" to prevent corrosion. I suspect that "protective barrier" is what is causing the the gelling that I and so many others have found in their coolant systems. The PH of Dexcool is acutaully more acidic than that of the green stuff. Go Figure.

As far as the original question of this thread. You cannot mix Dexcool type antifreezes with other types (says so on the label). You can; however, mix the green stuff with all types (again, says so on the labels).

In all seriousness, I respect your brand loyaty; however, I personally don't think Dexcool is a better mouse trap.

withidl,

I don't think anything I have stated as fact is untrue. You, on the other hand, have only listed opinon and advertising.

The info I listed above (MSDS) is from the web pages you are posting.

If you look at the webpages I listed from Prudue University you'll notice something different. They list the salts that are used in the proprietry formula. The ingredients add up to = 100%.

If you want to be as safe as you can, stick to BMW products for all your needs. If you want to be a little more prudent do your research. The only person you have satisfy is yourself.

We can go back and forth over this, I choose not to.


Peace, Out,

SS