Date:         Sun, 4 Apr 2010 19:20:26 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Radiator has a leak and green fluid's coming out
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY132-DS157136BDA7F7938F8F3CB8A01A0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> The new Prestone stuff in the yellow bottle states that it is "Phosphate Free".
>
> Phosphate and silicate is only a problem when used with hard water and the only problem is the stuff precipitating out.

Well, despite Prestone and other manufacturer's statements, many areas of the U.S. have very hard water, some running higher than anything in Europe.  Distilled water is cheap enough that there is no reason other than convenience not to use it, though radiator and other shops seldom do.  Prestone Extended Life antifreeze has just recently started stating that it is phosphate and borate free.  A year ago that wasn't true (the claim I mean, I don't know about the actual product, one couldn't tell).  I have not looked at a label recently, but the Prestone web page states that it is free of both and is a good choice for those who want a phosphate free coolant.  I noticed that they now say that the Extended Life stuff is approved by GM for use in vehicles that require "DexCool" coolant.  Must be trying to get around the horrible reputation of Prestone's own DexCool product.
--
David McNeely