Engine anti-freeze

[Gary]

What is the "best" anti-freeze for an operating Yanmar diesel engine in a marine application? There has been some discussion about the use of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol as the cooling fluid.The regular automobile anti-freeze (ethylene glycol)is typically green but can be different colors. Is DEX-COOL a Texaco Extended Life Coolant a better product for marine applications? Have there been any problems with all the additives in this product? Some advocate the use of pink RV Marine anti-freeze as the coolant in an OPERATING engine. Does this type has sufficient additives to protect the engine. Some reason that the RV Marine anti-freeze is more safe for the environment and that justifies its use. Also one may develop a leak in the hot water heater which could cause anti-freeze to get into the potable water system.Thank you for your wisdom.Gary

 

[Gordon Torresen]

Antifreeze

Per Yanmar recommendation, the best antifreeze for an engine with internal cooling (fresh water) is the new extended life antifreeze, the DexCool type. The green ethylene glycol has been used for years and will still do the job. It has most of the good things in it that makes the DexCool better. Propylene glycol is NOT recommended for uses internally to the engine nor any other place where there can be elevated temperatures. However, the propylene glycol should always be used when winterizing a sea water (raw water) cooled engine or the sea water side of a fresh water cooled engine.  As for sacrificing your engine in case the water heater coil fails, that's your call.

 

[Gary]

The Expert has Spoken

There you go sailors.....the expert has spoken and I personally will be following his advice.Thank you Gordon.