Date:         Sun, 17 Aug 2014 15:29:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant colour
Comments: To: mcneely4@cox.net
In-Reply-To:  <20140817133803.S635P.193204.imail@eastrmwml113>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Dave,
  My understanding of what Zerex and Prestone mean by "mixes with" is the
same as your technically correct use of "is functionally compatible with".
 Simplified language for the masses.

Does anyone remember when you could buy either "permanent" or
"non-permanent" antifreeze.  I recall this being an issue back in the
1950's when fall aproached and there were 30 or 40 cars on my family's used
car lot in Michigan.
  Non-permanent was cheaper and I assume based on methanol or denatured
ethanol.  It did not last well thru hot weather.

Larry A.



On Sun, Aug 17, 2014 at 1:38 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> ---- Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
> >   so, only drink pure antifreeze?...
>
> I wouldn't drink antifreeze of any sort, though propylene glycol is
> claimed to be non-toxic.  The point was an analogy.  Just because two
> things will mix together does not mean that they are functionally
> equivalent by any means.
>
> mcneely
>
> >
> >
> > On Sun, Aug 17, 2014 at 9:58 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >
> > > ---- "SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott ) " <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
> wrote:
> > > > My understanding from my VW Dealer Parts Dept ..
> > > > some 1 1/2 yr ago is that their Red 'mixes with all types of
> coolant.'
> > > >
> > > > It might even say that on the bottle.
> > > > and since there are now about  half a dozen different types of
> coolant
> > > > in use , it's not hard to find coolants that claim 'mixes with all
> types
> > > > of coolant. "
> > > >
> > >
> > > "Mixes with" and "is functionally compatible with" are not necessarily
> the
> > > same thing.  That could be especially true when it comes to corrosion
> > > prevention or preventing clogging.  Ethanol and methanol are completely
> > > miscible in all proportions.  Their toxicities to mammals including
> people
> > > are quite different, and the resulting mix does not change that.
> mcneely
> > >
> > > > I like Zerex Long Life coolant too.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On 8/17/2014 2:48 AM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> > > > > VW has had both red and blue coolant for years.  At the dealership
> > > where I last bought VW coolant, when I stated that I wanted coolant
> for a
> > > 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile (though I had bought coolant and
> a
> > > few other things from them before), the first reply was that no parts
> for
> > > that vehicle were available, but maybe coolant was.  The clerk then
> > > consulted a computer, left for the stock room, and returned with two
> > > gallons of red coolant.  When I pointed out the error, he stated that
> that
> > > was the only coolant for VWs extant, that none other was manufactured,
> and
> > > that it was correct for Vanagons.  I demured, and asked if someone else
> > > might have better information.  Eventually, after an extended
> discussion
> > > that bordered on heated, he brought forth a manager, who listened,
> said,
> > > "just a moment," went to the stock room, and returned with two bottles
> of
> > > blue coolant.  He hadn't consulted a computer.
> > > > >
> > > > > I no longer use the VW coolant.  I use Zerex Long-life coolant,
> which
> > > is yellow, and which is phosphate free.  I believe that a phosphate
> free
> > > coolant is available from Prestone as well.
> > > > >
> > > > > mcneely
> > > > >
> > > > > ---- Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MYMTS.NET> wrote:
> > > > >> Did I miss the memo? Is vw coolant now red instead of blue? Can
> they
> > > be mixed?
> > > > >>
> > > > >> Thanks
> > > > >> Jeff
> > > > >>
> > > > > --
> > > > > David McNeely
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > David McNeely
> > >
>
> --
> David McNeely
>