Ready for Anti-Freeze

Cape Codder

Cape Codder

Well-known member
I have run white vinegar in my cooling system to hopefully clean any rust that was left from the rebuilder. I then put Simple Green to neutralize the vinegar and now have straight Distilled Water in. Now I want to add an anti-freeze being that time of year. So the question is which one? I had read that some anti-freezes would attack the babbit bearings if the head gasket should leak. Is this true and if so are any made that won't mess with the bearings?

Thanks for your time.
Cape Codder
 
Sometimes it makes me wonder how this forum works. I see 95 people have opened this post and ONLY ONE has an opinion! WOW, not a very good percentage.
Thanks for your time.
Cape Codder
 
Cape Codder said:
Sometimes it makes me wonder how this forum works. I see 95 people have opened this post and ONLY ONE has an opinion! WOW, not a very good percentage.
Thanks for your time.
Cape Codder
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Hard to have an opinion on your question(s) when a person doesn't do all of these things. I just drain and refill.
 
Patience is a virtue, that I admittedly don't have....

Question was submitted today, sometimes it takes a bit of thought and time. I have found great insight in this forum from some extremely knowledgeable people.
 
If you're not going to drive your Model A during the cold months, Drain the water, but don't forget to refill your radiator in the spring when the cold weather is over. Antifreeze is good stuff until it gets on your paint. It will take it off.
 
ronn said:
Patience is a virtue, that I admittedly don't have....

Question was submitted today, sometimes it takes a bit of thought and time. I have found great insight in this forum from some extremely knowledgeable people.
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Do you want the quick answer or the right answer? It takes time sometime. Many of us haven't gone to the extreme that you have with your prep so we refrain from answering.
 
I've read somewhere that kerosene was used during prohibition. Would it be a viable alternative to antifreeze?
 
Fred K-OR said:
I would assume it to be a lot more expensive now days than antifreeze.
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And KEROSENE will ROT yo' hoses. If ANTI-FREEZE is SO DANGEROUS to engine internals, how come the "WHOLE" WORLD uses it?? Plain water WILL destroy an engine, ALSO!:eek:
"OLD TALES" ABOUND!! There are some "VARIABLES" with most anything, except for DEATH & TAXES!:D Bill W.
 
Antifreeze is necessary year round (IMO). It contains anti corrosive agents to prevent rust, raises the boiling point of the coolant, and of course prevents freezing. Leakage into the block may well cause damage to the Babbit, I have heard that as well, but then again it would also damage bearings.

My Grandfather was the head Mechanic for a School District in upstate NY in the late 30's. He told me they ran Kerosine in the radiators in the winter.
 
I've only used antifreeze 50/50 all my life and never had anything bad happen because of it.

I overhauled a large Case tractor for a farmer about 30 years ago, Both of his heads were cracked. He said he would locate a pair of diesel heads for it, and brought me two heads from out of state that had been welded. I told him I didn't like the looks of the welds and would never use them, especially on a hard working diesel engine. He said they were guaranteed and go ahead and use them. A week later he called me to overhaul the engine again. Both heads leaked at the welds and wiped out the bearings.

This isn't to suggest not using antifreeze, but rather just be careful that you have good parts and no leaks.:)
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
I've only used antifreeze 50/50 all my life and never had anything bad happen because of it.
This isn't to suggest not using antifreeze, but rather just be careful that you have good parts and no leaks.:)
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Everyone should do what they're comfortable with.
Myself, I will run distilled water & regular old Bars-Leaks for a couple of weeks as I do the multiple torqueing, then, drain & install anti freeze & distilled water. Just in case there is some "UNKNOWN"????, somewhere! Bill W.
 
Are you losing water into the oil pan now?? If not put the antifreeze in, any 50/50 mix, OR drain the water and let it sit. It's not rocket science, it's a Model A. JMO
Paul in CT
 
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