It's time for winterizing and the price for RV/Boat antifreeze is getting very high. I have seen a much cheaper antifreeze (about 1/2 the Price) in Walmart, but it has a different mixture. Has anyone tried this cheaper antifreeze and were they satisfied with the results?
Cheap Boat Antifreeze
- Thread starter funsail
- Start date
- Status
I would advise you to avoid economizing on antifreeze. I use Pure Oceans -100 in the raw water side of my Yanmar 2GM20F. At $14/gal or so, it is cheap insurance that my engine will make it through the winter.
yep, you can ruin a (car's) engine with the wrong type. -probably not where you want to save a buck...
(using the wrong type in aluminum blocks like porsche/camaro/vettes causes porosity = bad! )
(using the wrong type in aluminum blocks like porsche/camaro/vettes causes porosity = bad! )
The bottles with the HazMat label "Flammable" contain denatured alcohol as the anti-freeze agent. This mix is way cheaper, so I tried it last year.
Mistake.
My previously odor-impermeable sanitation hoses became odor-permeable, and the alcohol itself is highly volatile, meaning it smells and evaporates away.
Stick with PG (propylene glycol). It's twice the money, it looks the same, but it ain't the same.
Mistake.
My previously odor-impermeable sanitation hoses became odor-permeable, and the alcohol itself is highly volatile, meaning it smells and evaporates away.
Stick with PG (propylene glycol). It's twice the money, it looks the same, but it ain't the same.
As was mentioned- he may be talking about the fresh water system, NOT the engine. Sure makes a difference. Maybe we should find out which?
That's a moot point given the problems caused by cheap alcohol based antifreeze.
The false economy of saving on antifreeze is problematic regardless of where used.
Amen.
The cheap stuff is A-ok for the copper piping in a cottage. Not so much in rubber or vinyl hoses.
And / or the raw water side of the engine which also has to be winterized with the same AF.
As I have formulated products for 20 years, perhaps I can add some clarity.
On a cost basis the Walmart product has to be ethanol. It is the only non-toxic product that could come in even near that price point. Another problem with ethanol is that it evaporates. What is the best product?
------
Head. Depends on the brand. If Jabsco (stiffens neoprene parts) ethylene glycol is best, Rairitan (nitrile parts) propylene glycol is a little better. Alcohol is going to be bad for "white" sanitation hoses (increases permeability) and butyl. The best choice may be draining, which is what some manufacturers specify, but EG is the safest bet; just don't drink the blackwater.
Automobile. Very brand-specific, as it depends on the alloys used. I formulate AF products and there is no true "universal" formula, despite some marketing claims. That is a matter for the courts. However ALL OEM AF formulas are EG, which is OK and engines and blackwater but not potable systems.
Raw water impellers. Again, it depends on the material. Pure Oceans can damage (stiffen) neoprene impellers, whereas EG is OK. PG is OK on nitrile impellors... but the flex life of nitrile is not as good. Your expereince will depend on which you have. Do you know? Do you know your hose materials?
Filters. PG can craze nylon very badly in a few winters. Also ethanol and to a lesser extent, EG. Removal of casings is better.
---------
No universal rules, guys. Study the materials of YOUR systems.
And all 3 of these products are effectively non-toxic to fish, according to EPA and DFW.
On a cost basis the Walmart product has to be ethanol. It is the only non-toxic product that could come in even near that price point. Another problem with ethanol is that it evaporates. What is the best product?
------
Head. Depends on the brand. If Jabsco (stiffens neoprene parts) ethylene glycol is best, Rairitan (nitrile parts) propylene glycol is a little better. Alcohol is going to be bad for "white" sanitation hoses (increases permeability) and butyl. The best choice may be draining, which is what some manufacturers specify, but EG is the safest bet; just don't drink the blackwater.
Automobile. Very brand-specific, as it depends on the alloys used. I formulate AF products and there is no true "universal" formula, despite some marketing claims. That is a matter for the courts. However ALL OEM AF formulas are EG, which is OK and engines and blackwater but not potable systems.
Raw water impellers. Again, it depends on the material. Pure Oceans can damage (stiffen) neoprene impellers, whereas EG is OK. PG is OK on nitrile impellors... but the flex life of nitrile is not as good. Your expereince will depend on which you have. Do you know? Do you know your hose materials?
Filters. PG can craze nylon very badly in a few winters. Also ethanol and to a lesser extent, EG. Removal of casings is better.
---------
No universal rules, guys. Study the materials of YOUR systems.
And all 3 of these products are effectively non-toxic to fish, according to EPA and DFW.
- Status