On 12/02/2021 14:49, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , Fredxx
writes
On 10/02/2021 10:54, Tim Lamb wrote:
I take it the reason the rubber/plastic bulb/hose on my anti-freeze
tester disintegrates between Winters is the alcohol? in the coolant?
Might help if the manufacturers suggested rinsing with fresh water
after use!

Never used one. I prefer to add a litre of antifreeze every year of two
depending on the work I've done on the car. But then I add it mainly
for corrosion protection.

Interesting feature on some 70's/80's Ford tractor engines.. coolant
cavitation causing erosion and penetration of cylinders! Not helped by
some of the coolant characteristics.

Many years ago I was working at a place hosting a Smith's conference.
Likely early 60s. The speaker was asked how long the then Bluecol
antifreeze should be left in. 'As short as possible' was the answer. All
year round anti-freeze was someway off. And you still have to be careful.
Current long life stuff attacks some of the metals used in older cars.
Notably copper and brass etc. Hence modern cars having aluminium rads, and
everything else plastic.

The pretty safe antifreeze once called 'for ally engines' is getting quite
difficult to find at a decent price. Halfords used to sell it in a
concentrate, but now only ready for use. At about the same price for 5
litres as the concentrate.

I now buy from Eurocarparts on the basis that their stuff conforms to
various manufacturer's specs, and is of the concentrated form.

Modern cars have moved from silicates to OATs. My simple understanding
is silicates are only recommended for systems with lead in it's plumbing.

I still believe you get less corrosion, not more, using a stipulated
antifreeze.