Are you folks really certain that G-05 is the best?

[The Critic]

It's no secret that G-05 type coolants are highly regarded on this forum due to their supposedly superior protection in comparison to DexCool type coolants. According to the experts on this forum, the added, low dose of silicates provide instantaneous protection against corrosion, cavitation, etc, as opposed to OAT's need for a short period of time after its transition to "build up" a layer of protection.

My concern is that I've been told by various sources that silicates need a certain amount of time to "plate out" onto the surface in order to provide their protection, whereas, DexCool type coolants, which are silicate-free, can provide instantaneous protection.

In other words, I have received conflicting information on this topic, challenging the superiority of G-05 coolants: Are those silicates contained in G-05 really capable of providing instantaneous protection, or do they actually require time to "plate out?"

Also, this leaves me a final question. Aside from G-05’s supposed superiority due to its low dosage of silicates (whose benefits are now questioned), what other benefits does G-05 bring over DexCool type antifreezes in normal, passenger type cars?

Thanks.

[ May 15, 2006, 01:04 AM: Message edited by: The Critic ]

 

[Buford T. Justice]

All I can say is it is probably a good idea to stick with what the manufacturer recommends. G-05 is great in that it is a direct replacement for the old green coolant and lasts much longer. It is recommended here so much because it has a proven track record with Mercedes, John Deere, etc.

I cannot think of anything bad about Dex-Cool really. I think all of the problems claimed to be caused by Dex-Cool are actually caused by bad radiator caps, bad intake gaskets, and bad maintenance. People have a responsibility to check these things from time to time if they expect their cars to run.

There is a myth at a lot of garages that mixing old green with Dex-Cool will cause it to gum up. I doubt that is true. But garages should have the competence to top off Dex-Cool with Dex-Cool and old green or G-05 with G-05.

Also, what do you mean by "BEST"? Best for all vehicles or best for performance? Their is no difference in performance. It just depends on what the ratio of coolant to water is. As to vehicles, I would stick with what the manufacturer recommends.

 

[Ray H]

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Critic:
My concern is that I've been told by various sources that silicates need a certain amount of time to "plate out" onto the surface in order to provide their protection, whereas, DexCool type coolants, which are silicate-free, can provide instantaneous protection.

---

Actually, your sources are diametrically opposite of reality. Both DEX-COOL(tm) and G-05 use some form of OAT for primary corrosion protection. OAT can take up to 3,000 miles of driving to fully plate out to a maximum depth over bare metal, though some protection is available immediately. What G-05 brings to the table is the addition of lowered silicate content as "hybrid" technology for immediate, full protection that will eventually be displaced by the OAT component. (The silicate content will not be useless - it's available for immediate "healing" should a passing particulate "wound" the OAT layer down to bare metal.) Silicates also serve to "heal" the micro-damage from cavitation effects in use, though the advantage is more theoretical during the typical service life that automakers and antifreeze formulators recommend for passenger cars and light trucks. G-05 is an excellent product as its pedigree in use by M-B for over two decades attests. BMW's antifreeze is a G-05 formulation, too. Ditto Ford's "Premium Gold", and Chrysler's orange colored extended life products. If you wish to use G-05, save some bucks and seek out Zerex's pale yellow version. Unasked, but relevant, is the Japanese automakers' take on antifreeze technology. Honda, Nissan, and Toyota use hybridized technology, too, but not with silicates. These companies' formulations are a combination of OAT and a stiff dose of phosphates. Phosphates are readily bound to bare aluminum as immediate protection. So, which technology is absolutely, undeniably the very best? The answer is an unequivocable, "Yes!" (Through the vehicle warranty period, though, only a moron would invite warranty claim rejection problems by mixing or substituting technology.

)

[ May 15, 2006, 01:43 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]

 

[The Critic]

quote:

---

Actually, your sources are diametrically opposite of reality. Both DEX-COOL(tm) and G-05 use some form of OAT for primary corrosion protection. OAT can take up to 3,000 miles of driving to fully plate out to a maximum depth over bare metal, though some protection is available immediately. What G-05 brings to the table is the addition of lowered silicate content as "hybrid" technology for immediate, full protection that will eventually be displaced by the OAT component. (The silicate content will not be useless - it's available for immediate "healing" should a passing particulate "wound" the OAT layer down to bare metal.) Silicates also serve to "heal" the micro-damage from cavitation effects in use, though the advantage is more theoretical during the typical service life that automakers and antifreeze formulators recommend for passenger cars and light trucks.

---

I see.

Would you please link me to a credible site and/or article that verifies your information?

I've been trying to locate/verify the information you posted (not to say that you're inaccurate), but have had no luck in doing so.

Thanks.

 

[Ray H]

No offence taken - I absolutely respect anyone who desires verification. I doubt there's any single source that covers it all. (Leastways I never came across a "magic fountain" of cooling system knowledge...) In some cases I chanced on cooling system repair trade journal sites for information. Some posted information you come across will be bogus - you gradually get a feel for what's likely true based on the number of corroberative sources you encounter. Never did I suspect the questionable sources were intentional, though. (Gross example: even the auto companies can't agree on what constitutes the ideal current coolant technology - Europeans tend to flock toward G-05, (though there are exceptions), the Japanese have their preference, GM has its DEX-COOL preference, and Ford and Chrysler have settled in with G-05.) Other sources included the various antifreeze companies to piece together what I've learned. I've been at this for over two years, now, just to reach my present stage of (in)competency.

You'll need to use the various online search engines for each facet you want to verify. Happy hunting - I sure enjoyed the learning experience.

[ May 15, 2006, 08:48 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]

 

[Buford T. Justice]

These are somewhat insightful...

http://www.imcool.com/articles/antifreeze-coolant/G05-Glysantin.htm
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us60024.htm
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=27&article_id=2334&page_number=1
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=27&article_id=2264&page_number=1
http://www.imcool.com/articles/antifreeze-coolant/CPM-52-DEXArticle-Excerpt.pdf

 

[Buford T. Justice]

If I could attach an Adobe Reader PDF file here I would. I have a really good article about both. Send me a PM with your e-mail address and I can send it to you if you like. Anyone else that wants it can do the same.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Critic:
My concern is that I've been told by various sources that silicates need a certain amount of time to "plate out" onto the surface in order to provide their protection, whereas, DexCool type coolants, which are silicate-free, can provide instantaneous protection.

---

That's interesting because from what I've read it's just the opposite. DexCool takes a long time to coat the metal parts, whereas G05 or traditional green can effect a "repair" almost instantly.