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Audi coolant
My observation of past discussions about coolant has lead me to several
assumptions:
1) Phosphates are a 'bad thing' in an aluminum environment.
2) Audi recommends phosphate free coolant for their applications,
although I am unaware of aluminum in the I5 systems (ignorance?).
3) Some manufacturers provide phosphate free formulas at a reduced
rate vs Autobahn fancy stuff, and they're ok.
Friday, I had to buy some coolant for a parts chaser vehicle, and at
the local Schuck's Auto Supply, they had a type of Prestone, in a silver
jug, which proclaimed to be phosphate and silicate free. I bought two, at
approx normal prices (5-6 bux a gallon).
When a friend came over to kibitz, he noted he had seen an article
on this new stuff, and he'd get it for me. It is in the November 96 Hot Rod
magazine (his). On the last page, there is a one page 'review' of this
stuff, with an additive package called Dex-Cool. I will refrain from
retyping it here, for both bandwidth and possible copywrite infringements,
but it's worth a lookover at the local grocery store.
Apparently Texaco invented this stuff, as an alternative to the
phosphate and/or silicate formulas formerly used. It is sufficiently
advanced that GM specifies it for their >=96 vehicles. Due to the type of
additives in the coolant, it comes with a 5 year 100k mile 'service life',
compared to 3year, 36k miles for conventional coolants. Also claimed are
increased thermal heat transfer, decreased water pump seal wear, and better
corrosion protection.
Now, for the questions. Have we been given a viable alternative to
the Autobahn stuff? Should we all rush out and put this stuff in our cars?
I'd be leery of some local or unfamiliar brand touting these claims, but
Texaco and Prestone? Who knows more than I do about this new coolant? I'm
sure I can't be the only one to come across this so far. Perhaps a test market?
Thanks in advance!
>>>>>Bernie
QCUSA #1765
Member #47 NW Region AQC