Anti-Freeze

[mike42]

I've had my '40 since 2012 and it has the same anti-freeze in it. How often is it a good idea to flush out and change ?

Thx....Mike

[Automotive Stud]

I do mine every five years or so, maybe overkill but it's cheap insurance to me.

[50fordcoupeman]

I do my vehicles when the antifreeze looses its bright green color (or whatever color is being used) but always check it yearly with your antifreeze tester regardless. Also 5 year max as stated.

[mike42]

Thx guys. I'll flush and change.

Thx....Mike

[Ford Freak]

Any auto parts store has an inexpensive tester that will tell you if it is no good . - F F

[paul2748]

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One thing to keep in mind is that not only is there anti-freeze but water pump lube and anti rust additives. I have been told that these are the items that may not be effective after a few years

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by paul2748

One thing to keep in mind is that not only is there anti-freeze but water pump lube and anti rust additives. I have been told that these are the items that may not be effective after a few years

I have heard about those additives . Where can I get those ? - F F

[Tinker]

FFreak think he's talking about what's in anti-freeze besides propylene glycol.


Water pump bearings are oiled from the engine unless ya have sealed bearings installed.


I ran distilled water in the south for yrs. No issues to the engine, guess in a couple decades of sitting that might change.

[Ford Freak]

Ok -thanks Tinker ! - F F

[paul2748]

While they are ingredients in regular anti-freeze, they are sold separately in most parts stores

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

I have heard about those additives . Where can I get those ? - F F

[RalphM]

Antifreeze doesn’t really go bad, it just gets contaminated and loses its ability to work properly. It can be recycled as long as it is done properly and filtered. Then the additives put back in it to make it work as it should, and bring the freeze point back down.

[qmdv]

Was wondering what anti freeze to use in the 70 year old flathead. Ethylene Glycoll (Green stuff) or the new Propylene glycoll (the new orange stuff).

Or just use what is on your shelf. The orange stuff is a lot easier on the cat.

[RalphG]

I've been using "re-cycled" anti -freeze in the Merc since I got it back in service. It is nice green looking and tests strong but has done a few years of service in the diesel tractors. So I have drained it from the Merc several times and filtered it through a funnel and cloth to take out any fine sediment. I think once I get the cooling system up to scratch I might just splash out on some brand new anti-freeze for the old flathead. Its cheap insurance for the old cooling system.

[redmodelt]

You want to stay away for the orange stuff. You might try googling "vintage cars and anti-freeze". Some of the extended life stuff is reported not good for the older systems.


https://forums.aaca.org/topic/166583...-antique-cars/


If you read the whole string, the guy with foaming, probable as other issues with his car and not the antifreeze.

[qmdv]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

You want to stay away for the orange stuff. You might try googling "vintage cars and anti-freeze". Some of the extended life stuff is reported not good for the older systems.


https://forums.aaca.org/topic/166583...-antique-cars/


If you read the whole string, the guy with foaming, probable as other issues with his car and not the antifreeze.

Interesting read. I will go with Ethylene Glycoll old school stuff. And be extra careful as far as the pets are concerned.