What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 01-23-2015, 10:00 PM

What are you comfortable using? I read:

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an "Extended Life" antifreeze, which utilizes Organic Additive Technology (OAT, H-OAT, or N-OAT) as one of its chemicals, ever be used in our cars over 10 years old. It attacks the gaskets and gasket cements in our cars, causing major leaks and forcing ultra-expensive repairs. The "Silver Ghost Association" Rolls Royce people have documented massive cooling system failures apparently caused by this anti-freeze product.

davepl · 01-23-2015, 10:08 PM

Do you have a link on that? I stick with old green non-diluted Prestone, but would like to learn more about the issue you're describing.

Cars over ten years old are 2005 models, so that's pretty recent. I don't think the gaskets have changed much since 2005, if at all. From 1970, you bet.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 01-23-2015, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davepl

Do you have a link on that? I stick with old green non-diluted Prestone, but would like to learn more about the issue you're describing.

Cars over ten years old are 2005 models, so that's pretty recent. I don't think the gaskets have changed much since 2005, if at all. From 1970, you bet.

Not sure where I got it, but if you plug that into your browser you'll get some results.

enaberif · 01-23-2015, 10:37 PM

I would be far more concerned about the issues with using ethanol based fuel in engines than antifreeze.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 01-23-2015, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enaberif

I would be far more concerned about the issues with using ethanol based fuel in engines than antifreeze.

I had the engine rebuilt in 1993. The guy supposedly updated things to accept unleaded, which I believe are the valve guides and seats.

**70cst** · 01-23-2015, 10:56 PM

Here is a tread that might help

Prestone vs Peak vs Dexcool???
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=609659

enaberif · 01-23-2015, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I had the engine rebuilt in 1993. The guy supposedly updated things to accept unleaded, which I believe are the valve guides and seats.

Unleaded != Ethanol

Ethanol is a alcohol based fuel and will dry out rubber and gaskets and can cause moisture build up in engines due to the ability of it attracting moisture.

imjeff · 01-24-2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enaberif

Unleaded != Ethanol

Ethanol is a alcohol based fuel and will dry out rubber and gaskets and can cause moisture build up in engines due to the ability of it attracting moisture.

Ethanol is a polar solvent so most of the issues involve phasing out of fuel when it absorbs water and the crud it kicks loose from old fuel systems.

The phase out reduces your octane because ethanol is used to buff up the octane. Once it phases out into a glob of alcohol and water it just waits to ruin your day. The only way to prevent this is to keep your tank full and burn the fuel up. There are no additives that make alcohol not absorb water so save your money. I use clear gas in anything that will sit more than a couple months.

The solvent properties aren't really a problem after everything is clean. I use E10 in my DD 72 and have no problems with hoses, etc. since the initial issues.

I won't even get into how much less power is in ethanol, why we mandate the burning of food or any of the other issues involved with this ridiculousness.

Jeff

mechanicalman · 01-24-2015, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

What are you comfortable using? I read:

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an "Extended Life" antifreeze, which utilizes Organic Additive Technology (OAT, H-OAT, or N-OAT) as one of its chemicals, ever be used in our cars over 10 years old. It attacks the gaskets and gasket cements in our cars, causing major leaks and forcing ultra-expensive repairs. The "Silver Ghost Association" Rolls Royce people have documented massive cooling system failures apparently caused by this anti-freeze product.

All my own engines I have rebuilt I have removed all traces of the old antifreeze and installed dexcool. No problems for me. Don't know what additives it has but it seems easier on the aluminum in my systems.

That being said, there is no reason you can't run conventional antifreeze however I'd get the pre-diluted because it has distilled water in it or get the undiluted and use ONLY distilled water.

The biggest reason radiators and heater cores plug is the use of calcium/mineral rich tap water.

GMC Canuck · 01-24-2015, 11:35 AM

OAT coolant is a new breed, different from the old red LL coolant. OAT coolant is purple is not compatible with other flavours. I was told it will gel if mixed. I just had to buy some for a '15 promaster, $78 / gallon is reason enough to stay clear.

dfrank · 01-24-2015, 11:50 AM

Whatever you do don't use the prestone mix with any Stuff. I got a gallon once and when I went to pour it out and it was clear. I tested it and it was about 90% plain water.

mechanicalman · 01-24-2015, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMC Canuck

OAT coolant is a new breed, different from the old red LL coolant. OAT coolant is purple is not compatible with other flavours. I was told it will gel if mixed. I just had to buy some for a '15 promaster, $78 / gallon is reason enough to stay clear.

Thanks for the good info, I will steer clear of it.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-01-2015, 05:06 PM

First time I've flushed the system right. Ran it with "just water" for about 15 minutes. Then ran water through it for 5 minutes with the upper radiator hose off and tap water running into the radiator. All without a thermostat, and of course the heater running. Clean as a whistle.

I just use conventional antifreeze. Don't want to take a risk with these new formulas.

01-23-2015, 10:00 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,335	What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? What are you comfortable using? I read: Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an "Extended Life" antifreeze, which utilizes Organic Additive Technology (OAT, H-OAT, or N-OAT) as one of its chemicals, ever be used in our cars over 10 years old. It attacks the gaskets and gasket cements in our cars, causing major leaks and forcing ultra-expensive repairs. The "Silver Ghost Association" Rolls Royce people have documented massive cooling system failures apparently caused by this anti-freeze product.

01-23-2015, 10:08 PM	#2
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,334	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? Do you have a link on that? I stick with old green non-diluted Prestone, but would like to learn more about the issue you're describing. Cars over ten years old are 2005 models, so that's pretty recent. I don't think the gaskets have changed much since 2005, if at all. From 1970, you bet. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

01-23-2015, 10:37 PM	#4
enaberif Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,181	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? I would be far more concerned about the issues with using ethanol based fuel in engines than antifreeze.

01-23-2015, 10:56 PM	#6
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? Here is a tread that might help Prestone vs Peak vs Dexcool??? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=609659 __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

01-24-2015, 11:35 AM	#10
GMC Canuck Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ingersoll, Ontario Posts: 93	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? OAT coolant is a new breed, different from the old red LL coolant. OAT coolant is purple is not compatible with other flavours. I was told it will gel if mixed. I just had to buy some for a '15 promaster, $78 / gallon is reason enough to stay clear.

01-24-2015, 11:50 AM	#11
dfrank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 627	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? Whatever you do don't use the prestone mix with any Stuff. I got a gallon once and when I went to pour it out and it was clear. I tested it and it was about 90% plain water.

02-01-2015, 05:06 PM	#13
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,335	Re: What antifreeze do you use in your original engine? First time I've flushed the system right. Ran it with "just water" for about 15 minutes. Then ran water through it for 5 minutes with the upper radiator hose off and tap water running into the radiator. All without a thermostat, and of course the heater running. Clean as a whistle. I just use conventional antifreeze. Don't want to take a risk with these new formulas.



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