Date:         Mon, 28 Aug 2000 21:47:43 PDT
Reply-To:     Mark Dorm <mark_hb@hotmail.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Dorm <mark_hb@hotmail.com>
Subject:      Re: Ethylene Glycol Facts
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Is this litmus test just measuring pH of the coolant? What is our pH
supposed to be? If you're adding water wetter and its just measuring pH then
wouldn't the water wetter disguise low levels of DCA - and what is DCA - and
do all phosphate free coolants on the market have this DCA? (which I guess
is just a measure of ethylene glycol level.....). There's also propylene
glycol in the coolant isn't there? - Are there other anti-corrosive
chemicals that VW adds to its coolant? Fast German Auto's site implies that
there are, but doesn't name them. I don't really know those guys anyway. (I
don't like the idea that you have to pay more to get an extended warranty
with them - reminds me of circuit city). Do you use water wetter?


>From: Terry Kay <CTONLINE@webtv.net>

>
>The only reason one should use distilled water in their coolant mixture
>is because their well is so hard or has high levels of calcium, or
>sulphur or who knows what.
>Us city folk, don't have that problem,and regular tap water is just
>fine.
>Now the reason, and the only reason that one should change their anti
>freeze on a annual, or bi annual basis is because the DCA level of the
>ethylene glycol mixture starts to drop, causing a high electrolysis
>problem between dissimilar metals in your engine.
>Consider this;
>The DCA level is like a coating inside your engine to prevent cavitation
>from happening, and corroding the heck out of the engines internals.
>Or in some cases, like in a diesel engine where there is a cast iron
>block and steel cylinder liners, if the DCA is low, the coolant will eat
>at hot spots on the liners and create holes in the liners and cause
>compression leaks, or coolant leaks into the combustion chamber.
>Also there is another factor to consider.
>The correct DCA levels are like a proper PH balance, not to acidic, not
>to alkaline, and this is where the Water Wetter comes in.
>It is a alkaline additive to prevent, or help the coolant from going
>acidic, and eating the internals of your engine.
>There is  litmus paper test to determine where your coolant stands, as
>far as correct DCA level, and I think this is a important consideration,
>if your interested in extending the longevity of your engine.
>
>Hatsa Lavista,
>
>Terry
>
>85 GL

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