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Old 10-30-2011, 09:09 PM   #3
Special Coupe Frank
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northeast Penna
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Default Re: Antifreeze History?

It is mentioned in my 1918 edition Dykes' Automotive handbook. They were alcohol-based, usually methanol.

"Permanent" anti-freezes ( ethylene-glycol ) such as Prestone go back to the very early '30s, possibly the late 1920's.

Prior to "permanent" antifreezes, alcohol was the principle ingredient; it would boil-off at temps above 160 * F, so it had to be constantly checked and replenished.

Even into the 1950's, there were 160* thermostats for folks who continued to use alcohol-based antifreezes, and 180* thermostats for folks using "permanent" anti-freezes in pressurized systems.
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