The Ford Barn

Pete W. · 03-16-2023, 10:14 PM

How long does the rust preventives last in anti freeze using distilled water?
I know there are lots of additives recommended but how long using just the coolant?

Thanks

jack wingard · 03-17-2023, 05:24 AM

Probably a lot of factors affect this with each individual manufacturer. I would check with them.

jb-ob · 03-17-2023, 07:36 AM

Advise from a respected radiator 'restorer' (RR & other antiques), 5 years under 'normal usage', ie. modern everyday vehicles.

The anti-freeze 'part' lasts longer than the more important anti-corrosion chemistry.

Cheap stuff compared to a cracked block.

Y-Blockhead · 03-17-2023, 09:34 AM

Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) anti-freeze (which is what you want for our cars) should be changed out every 36,000 or 3 years. After this it becomes corrosive. This is where some get the idea that anti-freeze will "eat" the solder and brass in our old radiators, and it will eventually if it is not maintained.

But IAT anti-freeze is perfectly safe to use if changed out on a regular basis.

I use Peak anti-freeze with the green cap, formulated for cars manufactured before 1989.

Gene F · 03-17-2023, 02:49 PM

The thing about anti-freeze is foam....Do they still make Sierra? It did not foam, but it even required a special instrument to test concentration.

nkaminar · 03-17-2023, 08:41 PM

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Getting rid of the old antifreeze is a problem. You should not just dump it down the drain. You will have to find a radiator shop that can accept it.

That is the reason for the newer antifreeze. It will last 10 years or longer, meaning there is less used antifreeze to get rid of. The problem with the newer stuff is that it is not really good for our old engines.

if you need to pull the radiator, and the antifreeze if within its used by date, just save the coolant and pour it back in when done.

Pete W. · 03-17-2023, 09:50 PM

THANK YOU to everyone that responded. I really value your opinions and experience on this forum. Yes, Sierra anti freeze is still available that doesn't foam and I feel best for our non pressurized cooling system and precious paint.. Sold by Ace hardware on the west coast.

03-16-2023, 10:14 PM	#1
Pete W. Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 55	anti freeze How long does the rust preventives last in anti freeze using distilled water? I know there are lots of additives recommended but how long using just the coolant? Thanks

03-17-2023, 05:24 AM	#2
jack wingard Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stoneboro PA Posts: 120	Re: anti freeze Probably a lot of factors affect this with each individual manufacturer. I would check with them.

03-17-2023, 07:36 AM	#3
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 640	Re: anti freeze Advise from a respected radiator 'restorer' (RR & other antiques), 5 years under 'normal usage', ie. modern everyday vehicles. The anti-freeze 'part' lasts longer than the more important anti-corrosion chemistry. Cheap stuff compared to a cracked block.

03-17-2023, 09:34 AM	#4
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: anti freeze Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) anti-freeze (which is what you want for our cars) should be changed out every 36,000 or 3 years. After this it becomes corrosive. This is where some get the idea that anti-freeze will "eat" the solder and brass in our old radiators, and it will eventually if it is not maintained. But IAT anti-freeze is perfectly safe to use if changed out on a regular basis. I use Peak anti-freeze with the green cap, formulated for cars manufactured before 1989. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 03-17-2023 at 09:39 AM.

03-17-2023, 02:49 PM	#5
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,973	Re: anti freeze The thing about anti-freeze is foam....Do they still make Sierra? It did not foam, but it even required a special instrument to test concentration.

03-17-2023, 08:41 PM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: anti freeze Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Getting rid of the old antifreeze is a problem. You should not just dump it down the drain. You will have to find a radiator shop that can accept it. That is the reason for the newer antifreeze. It will last 10 years or longer, meaning there is less used antifreeze to get rid of. The problem with the newer stuff is that it is not really good for our old engines. if you need to pull the radiator, and the antifreeze if within its used by date, just save the coolant and pour it back in when done. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

03-17-2023, 09:50 PM	#7
Pete W. Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 55	Re: anti freeze THANK YOU to everyone that responded. I really value your opinions and experience on this forum. Yes, Sierra anti freeze is still available that doesn't foam and I feel best for our non pressurized cooling system and precious paint.. Sold by Ace hardware on the west coast.