Clem Clement
Well-known member
Type of antifreeze to use with a repro radiator. please.
antifreeze type
- Thread starter Clem Clement
- Start date
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
Try asking the company that built the repro radiator. For all we know you could have an aluminum radiator.
Charlie Stephens
Last edited:
ryanheacox
Well-known member
I would suggest sticking with the standard green stuff (ethylene glycol). I usually go with the Walmart brand but Prestone or Peak should be the same.
Some say Sierra (propylene glycol) works better in an antique car and I agree it's much better if it spills since it's non-toxic but it is more expensive.
Some say Sierra (propylene glycol) works better in an antique car and I agree it's much better if it spills since it's non-toxic but it is more expensive.
Clem Clement
Well-known member
My 39 truck has a aluminum radiator. Now what do I use, please?
Happy New Year Wick
Happy New Year Wick
Chuck Sea/Tac
Well-known member
Aren’t all new radiators aluminum now. Use what you want. If the antifreeze won’t work on a certain metal, it will warn you on the label.
My 91 Dodge got an aluminum replacement, I used the green in it and didn't have any issues. I have been using the same stuff in my 48, 21 and 25 with stock radiators for years.30 Closed Cab PU
Well-known member
If switching Antifreeze types - make sure you thoroughly flush the radiator and block of the old type before adding the different type. Mixing antifreeze types can cause the antifreeze to congeal, blocking the radiator tubes, overheating the motor, and possibly wrecking the radiator..
Clem
Ace hardware sells anti-freeze designed for older cars.
Also Peak and AutoZone have green for older Ford & Chrysler cars.
Dave W...Williamsburg
I think the issue with original brass/solder radiators using new "long 5 year life" anti-freeze was that the chemicals contained solder/lead eating properties that ruined the original 50 pound radiators.
30 Closed Cab PU
Well-known member
If you do a search on the internet, a lot of other forums recommend using HOAT coolant with cooling systems with Aluminum parts.
Here is one site. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forum...orrect-anti-freeze-for-aluminum-radiator.html.
The older green stuff is probably OK, but is not specifically formulated for aluminum corrosion prevention.
Best to stay away from Dexcool, has a poor reputation. Eats gaskets. GM blamed it on motors being run with low coolant levels, Dexcool reacts to air causing issues. There are also other various theories.
Personally I change OAT and Hoat that have extended life more often than the recommended intervals in my other vehicles, just is my personal preference. I like 2 change every 2-3 years, and flush/backflush to keep my older vehicle's heater cores and radiators from plugging (my other vehicles are in the 20 year old range).
I also agree with Moose above, OAT/Hoat should not be used on original style radiators. Stay with the green stuff.
Also important is when adding water, or mixing coolant from antifreeze concentrate - use distilled water. And again when changing from 1 type to another a thorough flush/backflush of teh radiator and block is required, after the old is drained and before the new is added.
Read the labels on the antifreeze, they should warn. You can also ask the counterperson in a reputable Parts store, and/or ask an independent mechanic with classic car experience.
Here is one site. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forum...orrect-anti-freeze-for-aluminum-radiator.html.
The older green stuff is probably OK, but is not specifically formulated for aluminum corrosion prevention.
Best to stay away from Dexcool, has a poor reputation. Eats gaskets. GM blamed it on motors being run with low coolant levels, Dexcool reacts to air causing issues. There are also other various theories.
Personally I change OAT and Hoat that have extended life more often than the recommended intervals in my other vehicles, just is my personal preference. I like 2 change every 2-3 years, and flush/backflush to keep my older vehicle's heater cores and radiators from plugging (my other vehicles are in the 20 year old range).
I also agree with Moose above, OAT/Hoat should not be used on original style radiators. Stay with the green stuff.
Also important is when adding water, or mixing coolant from antifreeze concentrate - use distilled water. And again when changing from 1 type to another a thorough flush/backflush of teh radiator and block is required, after the old is drained and before the new is added.
Read the labels on the antifreeze, they should warn. You can also ask the counterperson in a reputable Parts store, and/or ask an independent mechanic with classic car experience.