another antifreeze question

[Robert M]

   I've been following this thread with interest, as I recently aquired a
low mileage '87 4kcsq that I hope to use seasonally for the next (? many!)
years.  Natch, it needs some work and a coolant flush/fill is on the list of
things to do.

   Honestly, I always figured that the 'You need to use our coolant...'
statements from VW/Audi could be translated as 'We want as many of your
dollars as we can get...', but some of the explainations here are making me
think.

   Prestone has this to say: (go to the coolant FAQ at http://prestone.com/
)

"Q: Does Prestone=AE Antifreeze/Coolant contain phosphates?
A: Some European automobile manufacturers request that a phosphate-free
antifreeze be used in their vehicles. This issue is related to the extremely
high mineral content of the water in Europe. If you were to mix an
antifreeze that contained phosphates with the type of water they have in
Europe, it may produce deposits that can settle in the cooling system and
promote corrosion. However, in North America we do not have this type of
water problem. Typical North American coolants have contained phosphates
(which is part of the corrosion inhibitor package) for many years.
Therefore, the question of phosphates is a non-issue here in North America.
Prestone=AE Antifreeze/Coolant is completely safe for use in both foreign a=
nd
domestic vehicles. For those consumers who would feel more comfortable using
a phosphate-free antifreeze, our Prestone=AE Extended Life 5/150
Antifreeze/Coolant is phosphate, silicate, and borate free. This coolant
uses a special chemistry and technology that extends the life of the
corrosion inhibitor package so that it lasts for five years or 150,000 miles
(whichever comes first), and is safe for all cars and light trucks (old or
new). Prestone=AE Extended Life 5/150 Antifreeze/Coolant has been approved =
by
General Motors under their DEX-COOL=AE specifications and is compatible with
other DEX-COOL=AE approved coolants."

   Comments?

Robert








>From: "John Larson" <j.d.larson at verizon.net>
>To: <CTDiesel at aol.com>, <quattro at audifans.com>
>Subject: Re:another antifreeze question
>Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 20:59:28 -0800
>
>BMW antifreeze is OK, and Quaker State phosphate free antifreeze should be
>available through your FLAPS, even if they have to order it.  John


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