I'm slowly getting my A-4 winterized, and I noticed something on the jug of non toxic antifreeze that has me concerned. In fine print on the label, it says "for plastic pipes only". This is the pink coloured anti freeze that is sold for RV's summer cottages and boats, with minus 50 protection. I went to several hardware/home centres, and only found Home Hardware, that sold this product WITHOUT the plastic pipe limitation. So should I have any concerns using this in my A-4? Should I re do the cooling side winterizing? thanks Eric
Non toxic anti freeze question
- Thread starter Eric S565
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Type of antifreeze
Be careful which anti freeze you use. I believe Ross is steering you towards the type you'd use within a closed loop cooling system. If you're looking to run antifreeze through the raw water side of the system then you have the choice of either the purple or pink varieties. The purple has the ability to protect against colder temps -60F plus does a better job of lubricating the system, the pink less so at -50F. I use the purple in the raw water side of the engine and the pink through the water and bilge systems. If you're in doubt as to the product chck in with your local marine supply store. They'll have everything you need. Mike
Be careful which anti freeze you use. I believe Ross is steering you towards the type you'd use within a closed loop cooling system. If you're looking to run antifreeze through the raw water side of the system then you have the choice of either the purple or pink varieties. The purple has the ability to protect against colder temps -60F plus does a better job of lubricating the system, the pink less so at -50F. I use the purple in the raw water side of the engine and the pink through the water and bilge systems. If you're in doubt as to the product chck in with your local marine supply store. They'll have everything you need. Mike
I use the Prestone "Safe" antifreeze......
...in the raw water side. It is intended for engines but is the polyproplene formula that is safer for animals and wildlife. I agree that you want the antifreeze to have all the corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal in your engine. When I had an A4 I winterized the raw water with engine antifreeze. My A4 was raw water cooled.
...in the raw water side. It is intended for engines but is the polyproplene formula that is safer for animals and wildlife. I agree that you want the antifreeze to have all the corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal in your engine. When I had an A4 I winterized the raw water with engine antifreeze. My A4 was raw water cooled.
Clarification....
My A-4 is raw water cooled. She was born and raised on Lake Ontario
, (a C&C Redwing 30), and has never tasted salt. Therefore I don't have a heat exchanger. I do not want to use any toxic anti freeze! I do however, want proper protection for my ole girl! Eric
My A-4 is raw water cooled. She was born and raised on Lake Ontario
, (a C&C Redwing 30), and has never tasted salt. Therefore I don't have a heat exchanger. I do not want to use any toxic anti freeze! I do however, want proper protection for my ole girl! Eric
Here in a salty environment
we run at least 5 gals of fresh water through before running any anti-freeze. I have used the pink stuff successfully (propylene glycol) which is supposed to be less toxic than the green stuff (ethylene glycol) you use in your car. So far no problems over wintering. I wish I could use a bottle of Vodka as I do with my water tank but the alcohol is not good for some fittings and gaskets. Try to leave a small environmental footprint but also use what is generally tried and true. Last thing I do when winterizing my A4 is to drain the water out of the water pump impeller chamber (or remove impeller entirely). Here is the forum for the A4 guru, Don Moyer: http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/index.php Lots of info available on this unique old engine there. Good luck.
we run at least 5 gals of fresh water through before running any anti-freeze. I have used the pink stuff successfully (propylene glycol) which is supposed to be less toxic than the green stuff (ethylene glycol) you use in your car. So far no problems over wintering. I wish I could use a bottle of Vodka as I do with my water tank but the alcohol is not good for some fittings and gaskets. Try to leave a small environmental footprint but also use what is generally tried and true. Last thing I do when winterizing my A4 is to drain the water out of the water pump impeller chamber (or remove impeller entirely). Here is the forum for the A4 guru, Don Moyer: http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/index.php Lots of info available on this unique old engine there. Good luck.
Thanks for the input!
I passed by the local well known marine store today and they have a non toxic antifreeze with rust inhibitor, for engines. They were out and have a shipment arriving tomorrow. Thanks for your help and reassurance! Eric
I passed by the local well known marine store today and they have a non toxic antifreeze with rust inhibitor, for engines. They were out and have a shipment arriving tomorrow. Thanks for your help and reassurance! Eric
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