New safe anitfreeze ?

[slowrev]

Since we have been discussing antifreeze in depth on this board....
Does anyone have any input on the new "safe" non-toxic antifreeze. I believe one brand is Sierra or something like that.

 

[Kelvin]

I don't have any idea how the antifreeze works in tractors. When it comes to automotive applications, I have heard my mechanic friend give several cautions about using that antifreeze.

First of all, it is not normally compatible with the standard type of antifreeze. Mixing the two can create a corrosive liquid with subsequent engine damage.

The second issue relates to the "Environmentally Friendly" antifreeze not being compatible with some engines, even without mixing it with other types of antifreeze. Seems like it was GM vehicles that were most prone to damage from the antifreeze, but I'm recalling a conversation from over 6 months ago so there is plenty of room for error.

In any case, the automotive shop that my friend owns has replaced several head gaskets following a customer's attempt to be "Environmentally Friendly". I'd have to call him to get more specific (accurate?) information if you need.

Bottom Line: Carefully read your vehicle's owner's manual as well as any cautions on the antifreeze container. Maybe others on this site can contribute some important information as well.

Kelvin

 

[Slamfire]

If you read the label closely you'll discover that it is LESS toxic, I lost a neat pup, while changing a thermostat. He never seemed in great distress, just got weaker until he died.

 

[MJB]

If you are referring to the new propylene glycol antifreeze you should be aware that it is not as good a coolant as the older ethylene glycol. As I recall, you need to run a higher concentration of the propylene in order to get the same freeze protection as the ethylene and the propylene is not as good at heat transfer as the ethylene. If your cooling system is marginal on ethylene glycol the change to propylene might be enough to push it over the edge.

 

[larso1]

Also, aqueous solutions of propylene glycol are more viscous than ethylene glycol at the same concentrations. That has a negative effect on water pump performance, although maybe not significant enough in this application to cause any problems. One surprising characterisitic of propylene glycol is that, at temperatures below minus 60-deg.F. and at concentrations over 60% by mass, solutions do not freeze but become a "glass" (has the appearance of a solid). This can't be good in a tractor's cooling system) (The above info is taken from the 1997 edition of the ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals).

Bill in CO

 

[slowrev]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. This is the kind of info I was looking for. I had not really heard anything one way or the other on this type of antifreeze, but was suspicious of it. Don't think I will use it.