c-1 radiator/antifreeze

[Dwight Bedsole]

In the past there have been posts that claim the new OATs and HOATs antifreeze ( blue, yellow, orange, etc,.)are a suitable and favored antifreeze to replace the old ethylene glycol ( green). Less environmental impact and less toxic. Recently there have been articles in Corvette Fever and Hemmings that say that the new antifreezes with organic acid stabalizers may be good for aluminum radiators but beware that they have a much lower viscosity resulting in leaks where you have never had leaks before, will turn to a gel like consistency over time and most important for those of us with copper radiators that the stabilizers will go after the lead solder and recommend against it's use in brass/copper radiators. Since they have been around for about ten years I thought perhaps there is experience in the group as well as opinions as whether or not to use with the old radiators or to stay with the "green" ethylene glycol.
thanks
Dwight

[Duke W.]

Re: c-1 radiator/antifreeze

Use Zerex G-05, which is HOAT. There is some concern that OAT types may not provide sufficient corrosion protection for solder, and even if your Corvette has an aluminum radiator, it has a soldered brass heater core.

The IAT type (green) is obsolete. It provides good corrosion protection for all cooling system materials, but clogs up tubes over time due to precipitation of the inorganic inhibitors, particularly silicates.

If you take some time to search the archives, there has been considerable discussion on this topic.

Duke