Aluminum radiator coolant

Ralph Cali · Feb 5, 2012

I have aluminum heads on my 1973 RR 440 and decided to buy a aluminum radiator from champion for it. They stated I should use ethylene glycol anti freeze and distilled water for aluminum radiators.

I looked at the auto parts store and they all have other ingredients added besides the ethylene glycol.

Prestone had ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol & sodium 2 ethyl hexanoate, and dex cool was similar.

Need advice on what to use, I know alot of you have installed these aluminum radiators in your cars so what coolant have you used ??

Thanks for your help.

Ralph

Red63440 · Feb 5, 2012

It should be noted on the jug that its acceptable for use in aluminum radiators.

Ralph Cali · Feb 5, 2012

the one that stated for use in aluminum radiators was dex cool

If i do not get any other feedback I will try dex cool

Thanks for your assistance

Ralph

mjb765 · Feb 5, 2012

Stupid question.....wouldn't most of them be safe in aluminum radiators these days??? So many cylinder heads are made of aluminum, what would be the difference in the radiator?

Red63440 · Feb 5, 2012

mjb765 said:
Stupid question.....wouldn't most of them be safe in aluminum radiators these days??? So many cylinder heads are made of aluminum, what would be the difference in the radiator?

No, its not a stupid question...there are still copper brass radiators being made and sold today. An additive that works in an aluminum radiator may damage a copper /brass radiator. Dex Cool was designed for use in GM products and has casued a lot of damage..there are law suits pending because of it. Most of what I was able to find said that most are using the green anti-freeze with distilled water and a "wetter".

mjb765 · Feb 5, 2012

Red63440 said:
No, its not a stupid question...there are still copper brass radiators being made and sold today. An additive that works in an aluminum radiator may damage a copper /brass radiator. Dex Cool was designed for use in GM products and has casued a lot of damage..there are law suits pending because of it. Most of what I was able to find said that most are using the green anti-freeze with distilled water and a "wetter".

So an additive that works in aluminum may damage copper, but not the other way around? The thread was talking specifically aluminum radiators meaning regular anti-freeze could damage them....just wondering since I used "regular" coolant with water whetter when I did my aluminum radiator install a few months back.

Ralph Cali · Feb 5, 2012

Stupid question - rather ask first since this is my first time and I have alot invested in this car.
Seems others would like to know as well.

Dex cool & Proline stated on the container for aluminum radiators at PEP boys

I am using green antifreeze now with copper radiator and alum heads and distilled water in my radiator now - so if i need just to add a wetter im good.

Lijke to get the right asnwer before doing the work.

Thanks to all

Ralph

Red63440 · Feb 5, 2012

From what I was able to find by doing a search is that the Dex Cool destroys the gaskets and seals. It also can't be mixed with any other type of coolants. Do a search and draw your own conculsions...

67 coronet · Feb 6, 2012

from a profesional shop view,we use dexcool in most aluminum applications.most"green"antifreeze has phosfates that eat at aluminum parts like a week acid.dexcool will work fine,or spend the big bucks and go with a real high end aftermarket prestone all application.(it says right on the bottle that it mixes with all types of anti)dont get the cheep prestone,look for the expensive stuff.

Ralph Cali · Feb 6, 2012

thanks to all

Aluminum radiator coolant

Ralph Cali

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Red63440

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Ralph Cali

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mjb765

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Red63440

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mjb765

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Ralph Cali

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Red63440

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67 coronet

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Ralph Cali

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