Coolant additives
 

I ordered a new radiator for my '41 Coupe. It is to arrive this week. The engine block has been drained empty for 4 months. I will use Peak Coolant. Should I use any additives ?
Any other advice?

Re: Coolant additives
 

Don't know if it is as good a claimed, but I always add NoRosion to the radiator. If you have any aluminum touching the water (heads, radiator) your might want to use a sacrificial anode. Comes with a thin wire that can be wrapped around the brass vent piece on the underside of the radiator cap, so that the zinc part drops down on top o the core, but comes out with the cap. You may be shocked at how much that piece erodes in a year.

Re: Coolant additives
 

drolston I will give the anode a try. Thanks.

Re: Coolant additives
 

Agreed on the NoRosion...

Re: Coolant additives
 

I usually don't believe in "Snake-Oil" cures, but I read so much good stuff about "No-Rosion" that I bought a case and use a bottle with every initial radiator fill. No problems, so far.

Re: Coolant additives
 

No-Rosion > https://www.no-rosion.com/norosioncoolant.htm

Home Page > https://www.norosion.com/


I use this stuff to protect the aluminum heads on my '34 flatty from electrolysis...

https://www.no-rosion.com/large-noro.jpghttps://www.no-rosion.com/logogif.gif

Re: Coolant additives
 

Most auto supply stores carry containers of "rust preventer and water pump lube". It is mostly a water soluable oil. I add a can to the system each spring, or when I change the coolant. It isn't expensive, and is often sold under the "Prestone" label.

Re: Coolant additives
 

Look at the bottles of anti-freeze like Zerex and Peak. I believe they have water pump lube and anti-rust ingredients.


These are the ingredients that over time, lose their effectiveness. That is why they recommend replacement of anti-freeze after 3 to 5 years.

Re: Coolant additives
 

I don't believe this" water pump lube" If the bearings are so loose that the coolant is getting through, the pump is shot.

Re: Coolant additives
 

This is an example of the power of advertising. This is not to knock the product, but No-Rosion is so highly advertised (including regular targeted mailings), they make it very easy to read good stuff about the product!

Re: Coolant additives
 

Leaving a block empty can actually ad more issues then when in use.
Air getting to metal and you get a fair amount of rust that then gets into the core of your new radiator..
Worst is if you used plain water before draining it...
Block lower hoses ad a rustcleaner of choice and flush well...my 2c.
A regular coolant should do the job if the engine clean...but a coolant can handle just so much rust and corrosion...can usually be seen on freezing point rising when measuring coolant.

Re: Coolant additives
 

Thanks for your informative replies guys. Petehoovie thanks for the info on No-Rosion, I will use this. As always, The Ford Barn is great for getting info.
Thanks again.

Re: Coolant additives
 

To be clear, the reading I was talking about was mainly in marque-specific club publications and similar venue not glossy advertisements.

Re: Coolant additives
 

I use No Rosion plus the anode attached to the cap. I keep wondering if the NoRosion is doing its job why would the anode still dissolve?

Re: Coolant additives
 

Perhaps you should ask (Jay Ross) that question at Applied Chemical Specialties, who make the NoRosion product.

Re: Coolant additives
 

Anyone looking at the "waterless" products? I see Jay Leno speaking it up on his older cars? its expensive but is supposed to be worth it. its glycol based instead of water. https://www.evanscoolant.com/

Re: Coolant additives
 

I think Burl Ives had it right: Cool, cool water.

Re: Coolant additives
 

I just use water and 33% antifreeze/summer coolant. Same as the millions of other motorists out there in there everyday cars with iron blocks and aluminium heads. What we have available to us these days is far superior to what they had in the 1940s.
I can't see any reason not to use the product that is specifically designed for the purpose we are requiring.
Personally I think anything else is just expensive snake oil and marketing BS.

Re: Coolant additives
 

I am with Mart. Lots of creative advertising (marketing) = snake oil.

Re: Coolant additives
 

Yes sir...