Antifreeze Prices

[Adventure Bob]

Both Dex and Zerex HOAT were developed to meet environmental goals. Not taking this froma tree hugger perspective but it's not a bad thing. Basically antifreeze (propolene or ethylene glycol) break down into acidic compounds that are damaging to metals. Contamination form the from the combustion process only exhasperates the problem. They tend to be hardest on aluminum and brass, but over time they get nasty on harder ferrous metals as well. So, industry folks thought if they could extend the amount of time we could leave the stuff in our vehicles without damage, it would lessen the impact on the envioronment. Once every 3 years is a bunch more of this stuff to have to deal with than once every 5 years. Dex was the first to start it but they had some development problems. If youve ever know anyone with an older GM that got the "orange sludge" in their cooling system, that was an original dex formula. It basically turned to snot over time. Since a cooling system is relatively sealed, the right formulation that prevents oxidation could make the stuff last for huge amounts of time as long as it doesnt get to contaminated. I have seen systems that had filtration on them to increase life, but your talking chemical filtration and not particle which equals big money.

 

[JJPage]

Since your Dodge does not have a water filter, ES liquid should be added on a annual basis in order to keep your antifreeze in proper working conditions.



Almost all of our gensets have water filters, the filters are made with "Extended Service" pellets inside of them, depending on which filter you purchase, they have a specific "dose" of ES.



I have an annual routine setup to test the coolant in our units, many of these standby systems are radio sites on mountain tops, that are only accessible by snocat(or helecopter) in the winter months, coolant is a very important aspect of the mix. The outcome of the test strip determines the water filter of choice, more or less, or maintain, the DCA/SCA levels. As rbattelle stated, ES is also available in a liquid product.

 

[rbattelle]

Thanks to this thread, I went out and added a bit more ES extender to my system. I think the last time I added it was 2007, but I didn't keep a record.

Added it to the overflow tank, in hopes it will eventually find its way into the block.

Ryan

 

[sag2]

If you want to stay with the Mopar coolant it (5 yr) is sold under PN's 5066386AA and 68048953AA. As of today the list price is $21. 92 and $21. 95 (not a typo on the price) per gallon. The net price allows for a very reasonable mark up for the dealer so don't pay any more than list price, and ask if they will sell it at a discount. Tell them they will loose the sale to exactly the places Corporate has been preaching to them to be competitive with, especially in today's market.