C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

Correct anti-freeze for aluminum radiator?

Old 08-23-2008, 01:59 AM
  #1  
lib
Pro
Thread Starter
 
lib's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: S.F. ( E. Bay) Calif.
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes on 10 Posts

Default Correct anti-freeze for aluminum radiator?

I just installed a new DeWitt's restro in my 63.Looks and fit great. Tom's literature says "Distilled water and premium antifreeze must be used with all aluminum radiators!" I am planning on replacing A/Frz with Peak brand All Weather (Green in color) that is labeled for use with Aluminum and other metals. Does that equate to correct, premium antifreeze? I will fill and test in morning, so chime in when you can. Thanx- lib
Old 08-23-2008, 02:10 AM
  #2  
Dave Tracy
Melting Slicks
 
Dave Tracy's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Oceanside CA
Posts: 2,516
Received 294 Likes on 183 Posts

Default

That is what I use.
Old 08-23-2008, 07:48 AM
  #3  
Hitch
Race Director

 
Hitch's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2002
Location: Clayton NC
Posts: 11,593
Received 164 Likes on 109 Posts

Default

Use the Zerex Z05 is the recommended antifreeze for your new aluminum radiator. Dave
Old 08-23-2008, 08:43 AM
  #4  
Black_Magic
Safety Car

 
Black_Magic's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: St. Louis MO
Posts: 4,692
Received 443 Likes on 204 Posts
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
CI 4-5-7-9-10-11 Car Show Winner
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10-11 Vet

Default



That's what I use

Old 08-23-2008, 09:01 AM
  #5  
Donald #31176
Melting Slicks
 
Donald #31176's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 0
Received 163 Likes on 143 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by youwish2bme
Use the Zerex Z05 is the recommended antifreeze for your new aluminum radiator. Dave

Zerex G-05 is a HOAT formulation (hybrid organic acid tech.)that will not precipitate silicates into the cooling system that eventually will clog the radiator passages.
Old 08-23-2008, 10:05 AM
  #6  
Powershift
Race Director
 
Powershift's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2005
Location: Luling Louisiana
Posts: 10,462
Received 1,681 Likes on 1,307 Posts

Default

Also recommend Zerex G-05 (along with distilled water). Will protect your new aluminum radiator and won't dissolve the lead solder in your heater core.

Just be sure that you flush out and drain the old antifreeze from your engine block before using.

Larry
Old 08-23-2008, 02:12 PM
  #7  
lib
Pro
Thread Starter
 
lib's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: S.F. ( E. Bay) Calif.
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

I'm a bit puzzled. After reading DeWitt's warranty It stated " DRI radiators require a correct proportion of quality coolant which contains ALUMINUM CORROSION INHIBITORS in the formula and distilled water". The Peak brand and the Zerex both list CORROSION INHIBITORS on their contents. I had 45 yrs. of service out of my original (no leaks, clogs, etc.) using whatever green A/F was available mixed with tap water. Is this new radiator more fragile?
Old 08-23-2008, 08:13 PM
  #8  
Powershift
Race Director
 
Powershift's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2005
Location: Luling Louisiana
Posts: 10,462
Received 1,681 Likes on 1,307 Posts

Default

The DeWitt aluminum radiator is probably better constructed than the GM Harrison original unit.

A large number of us on this forum recommended the Zerex G-05 antifreeze because we feel that it is the best that is out there for our older cars. The Peak (green) antifreeze should also work as well.

I think that Tom DeWitt even recommended the Zerex G-05 in a similar post about six months ago. It should be in the archives, assuming they still work.

The main point is use a good quality IAT (green) or HOAT (yellow) antifreeze with distilled water. It's your choice. Just don't use DEX-COOL. There have been too many issues with DEX-COOL in the older cars.

Larry
Old 08-23-2008, 08:31 PM
  #9  
magicv8
Le Mans Master
 
magicv8's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

The other problem that you avoid by using z05 is damage to the heater core.
Old 08-23-2008, 09:27 PM
  #10  
1snake
Le Mans Master
 
1snake's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2007
Location: Puget Sound
Posts: 8,000
Received 652 Likes on 446 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by magicv8
The other problem that you avoid by using z05 is damage to the heater core.
G-05 NOT z05. Zerex doesn't make a product with that number. That's what I use in everything. Corvette (with a DeWitts rad.) and my Cobra.

Jim
Old 08-23-2008, 10:00 PM
  #11  
Hitch
Race Director

 
Hitch's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2002
Location: Clayton NC
Posts: 11,593
Received 164 Likes on 109 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 1snake
G-05 NOT z05. Zerex doesn't make a product with that number. That's what I use in everything. Corvette (with a DeWitts rad.) and my Cobra.

Jim
I hit the wrong key this morning I meant G05... But I think my message was received...
Old 08-23-2008, 10:25 PM
  #12  
lib
Pro
Thread Starter
 
lib's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: S.F. ( E. Bay) Calif.
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes on 10 Posts

Default

Recv'd message from Tom DeWitt regarding Peak (green) A/F; "That coolant will be fine, I'm just recommending the G05 to new customers but the key is the distilled water". Thanx to all for the education on G05. Perhaps, the next time I empty out my system I will try it out- lib
Old 08-24-2008, 11:02 AM
  #13  
Silverblue64
Instructor
 
Silverblue64's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Any problems with using the Prestone green that comes premixed already at a 50/50?
Old 08-24-2008, 12:22 PM
  #14  
Powershift
Race Director
 
Powershift's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2005
Location: Luling Louisiana
Posts: 10,462
Received 1,681 Likes on 1,307 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Silverblue64
Any problems with using the Prestone green that comes premixed already at a 50/50?
I don't think that Prestone makes a green (IAT) anti-freeze anymore. They market a DEX-COOL compatible red/orange antifreeze (OAT), and a yellow (HOAT) antifreeze. HOAT stands for Hybrid Organic Acid Technology, and is a mix of organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors. It should be similar to Zerex G-05. However, Prestone and Zerex use different corrosion inhibitors.

Any plastic jugs of green Prestone that you find would be very old, and I would not recommend using. If you want green, use PEAK or regular Zerex.

Larry
Old 08-24-2008, 07:30 PM
  #15  
stall
Racer
 
stall's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2001
Location: Rochester NY --- FL (Oct to May FL.)
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Silverblue64
Any problems with using the Prestone green that comes premixed already at a 50/50?
I've used the Prestone 50/50 mix and note that the container legend says " Protects aluminum radiators" , "Only DeMineralized water used"

I think it's OK given that but i do wish the Dewitts owner directions were more detailed rather than a generic "use quality anti-freeze & distilled water."

With oils there is a standard ( CF-1 say) there must be something better than a "use good stuff" recommendation.

Just my thoughts
Old 08-24-2008, 09:00 PM
  #16  
Silverblue64
Instructor
 
Silverblue64's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I went out to the shop and took a close look at the Prestone jug.
It is the Extended Life 50/50 coolant that says do not add water but it also says that it is compatible with all anti-freeze coolants and can be used with aluminum components.
Yeah, I'm wondering about that part about being compatible with all types of coolant also
I just make sure it doesn't say Dexcool on the jug!

I keep two types of coolant around: Prestone green (like above) for the older vehicles and Dexcool for the newer cars.
I might have to give the Zerex G-O5 a try.

Get notified of new replies

To Correct anti-freeze for aluminum radiator?



Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Correct anti-freeze for aluminum radiator?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:51 AM.