Prediluted Antifreeze

[Linker]

Getting close to the 100,000 mile mark on my truck. Was wondering has anyone tried the prediluted Zerex G05 antifreeze? Thanks for the input/comments

 

[jhenderson]

Why would you pay all the money for half of the product?

 

[Linker]

I never thought about it that way. I guess it is cheaper to buy 4 gallons of full strength and enough distilled water to flush to clean. Good point thanks jhenderson

 

[Wingate]

I love the pre-mix... no worries about missing the ratio...

 

[Bill Stockard]

I love the pre-mix... no worries about missing the ratio...

X2 I use the Robert Patton method for replacing the antifreeze in my truck. Easy, just pour the pre-mix in 'til it's full.



Bill

 

[HOBrian]

If you plan the "flush" the system with water the premix stuff is NOT going to give you the right ratio when your done. The entire block is filled with ALL water and then add the 50/50 stuff and your ratio went right down the crapper.

 

[MChrist]

I used to think the same thing. . why pay full price for half the antifreeze. That was until my guys were adding water from the shop sink because they somehow weren't clear that they were to only use distilled water!!
I switched to premix. . no more confusion. Also, distilled water isn't free. I think the price is pretty close, once you figure in the cost of adding distilled compared to buying premix.
Plus, sometimes you just don't have distilled and end up using tap water, which usually has tons of minerals that will clog the radiator.
Just stick with premix. Life's too short!

 

[Linker]

Oh no I plan on flushing with distilled water then fill with the prediluted.

 

[HOBrian]

Oh no I plan on flushing with distilled water then fill with the prediluted.

But that is NOT going to give you the right ratio!!! You want your cooling system to be 50/50.



Example: If the block holds 4 gallons of water and you put 4 gallons of straight antifreeze in the rad. you will end up with 8 gallons of "coolant" that has a mix ratio of 50% water and 50% antifreeze.



If you fill the block with water and then add a 50/50 premixed antifreeze you ration will NOT BE CORRECT!



Example: one gallon of water in block plus one gallon of premix when added together you end up with 6 guarts of water and 2 quarts of antifreeze far from an ideal 50/50 mix.





EDIT:look here, AH64ID goes into great detail about why IT IS important to NOT use a premixed 50/50!

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks HOBrian... As you were stating 2-3 gallons of coolant/distilled water (during flush) stays in the block, so if you use 50:50 to fill it at best case you will have a 36:64 ratio, well below the min required 44% coolant.

Here is the link HOBrian was trying to put in.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...s-2003-2007/218402-coolant-flush-3rd-gen.html

 

[The patriot]

I use the full strength and hydrometer to finish up the fill with distilled.
I've done a thorough flush from day 1 and NEVER had a cooling problem.
I would like to pull the radiator this summer and wash the fins out. I never did it. Since 1997 december.


By the way, I wouldnt do the rad flush on a used vehicle that you have no idea of the previous maint schedule.
My Dad's last 2 beaters were both 60K + mile cars when he got them and shortly after the flush they both needed heater cores. #@$%!

 

[Shadrach]

Premix antifreexe is good for topping up. At work we use it in the field because you don't always know if there will be "clean" water available. Shadrach

 

[Prairie Dog]

I found the premix was almost half the price. So it's not really like your buying water.

 

[Linker]

Gotcha, Water stays in the block thus needing to add full strength to radiator to get the correct mix. Let me guess there is not a block drain unless knock out freeze plug?

 

[Motorhead]

Linker, welcome to the best web site for your Dodge, Cummins powered truck.
I would recommend NOT using premixed. I would use concentrate.

I FIRST find out a cooling system capacity. I drain, flush the engine and heater core with city water then blow out as much as I can with compressed air. I generally change the thermostat. I then fill the engine with HALF of its total capacity with my desired coolant concentrate.
I then fill the remainder with distilled water.
Mercedes Benz recommended "Conditioned" water. PURE distilled water, being mineral deficient, is aggressive to metals wanting to absorb minerals. So it is my belief that maybe 1 gallon of residual "City" water may just help out the balance. Just My $0. 02

 

[AH64ID]

By the way, I wouldnt do the rad flush on a used vehicle that you have no idea of the previous maint schedule.

My Dad's last 2 beaters were both 60K + mile cars when he got them and shortly after the flush they both needed heater cores. #@$%!

I would say coincidence. . What in a flush would cause a heater core failure?



That's just like the myth that flushing an auto trans makes it fail. Really there is another issue!

 

[rashwor]

Never thought about the fact that not all the water drains from the block thus screwing with the ratio if you use premix. That is a really good point! Thanks.



That being said, I have the Prestone Premix in mine and it will stay a while. I will check the temp rating of my mix and make sure it is good.

 

[The patriot]

I would say coincidence. . What in a flush would cause a heater core failure?



That's just like the myth that flushing an auto trans makes it fail. Really there is another issue!

That's always a possibility. Cant dispute that. It just gets costly trying to prove it otherwise.

In an ideal world everyone would take care of their cars by the book.



Cause?

I would suppose previous neglect? Buildup of corrosion etc. being flushed out? I'm a bit familiar with auto mechanics and water treatment in my previous work lines. Calcification buildup (Using hard water) in critical areas (welds, seams, thin metal areas) is no good. Using antifreeze... it has a useful life. If the guidelines arent followed youre using dirty stuff. Dirty af leaves deposits and looses effectiveness etc.



Volvo wanted $3000 to change the hc.

I told him to buy a new (brand new) car, but he is pig headed. :-laf

So. . I advised that if he must buy an used car w/o any previous knowledge of maint, leave it the eff alone.

 

[rbattelle]

But that is NOT going to give you the right ratio!!! You want your cooling system to be 50/50.

Damn, never thought of that. Duh.

Had mine flushed back in 2004, so obviously I have sufficient freeze protection. But I'm still going to get a coolant tester anyway and see where I am.

-Ryan

 

[Wingate]

guess I live in a "close enough" world. . hahaha. . I'm also going to remove all of the HOAT from my truck and just run 50/50 premix diesel ELC... Its the same stuff that I use in everything with a radiator around here.



QUESTION... shouldnt there be a threaded drain plug located somewhere low on the cylinder block to get all the water out? I haven't looked yet, but most engines have them... surely the little Cummins does.