Re: Coolant requirements on a replacement radiator

[zm@mhcnet.att.com]

> Now my question, with an all copper radiator, can I now use
> Prestone, Zerox, etc. instead of the spendy Autobahn coolant, or
> are there other parts which don't like phosphate either?
> TIA
> - Hans
> 
> PS: The new Prestone bottle doesn't state whether it contains phosphate.
>     Does anybody know?

Prestone does contain phosphate. This is according to Prestone's technical
person, whom I spoke to when I was considering using it instead of the $14
a gallon Autobahn (I called First Brands Corp. in CT that makes Prestone).
The Prestone techie said that German automakers
recommend phosphate-free coolant because the phosphate tends to form
salts in the cooling system with the type of water used in Europe. She
mentioned some natural salt that is contained in higher concentrations
in the water in some parts of Europe. But she said that it shouldn't be a
problem in the USA and added that their leading competitor - Zerex also
contains phosphate. In any event, I decided to pay the extra bucks and buy the
phosphate-free Autobahn, although I use distilled water instead of tap
water to dilute the coolant. Apparently, Quaker State makes a phosphate-free
coolant but I couldn't find it in this area.

Zafer