I have observed most of the original green coolant such as Peak and most others have 2 year/24000 mile life span!!!However,Zerex original green claims 5 year/100000 mile life span.I have been using peak in my 1999 Ford Ranger and have changed it every 24-30 k miles.My test strip indcates it's not good past 30k miles!!Has anyone tried Zerex original green and ran it out to 100 k miles and confirmed their claim of 100 k miles via testing????
Original Green Coolant Life Span!?
- Thread starter Radiotron500
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Well... How would you tell if an antifreeze wasnt working?
The cooling system would turn to rust if it was not working.
There are test strips. Generally the color is an indication.
Are you sure the Zerex is the old style green stuff and not the newer global stuff? The global coolants are still greenish.
Zerex Original Green is a low silicate formula original green. As mentioned says 'up to' 5 years or 100k. 3-4 years with this low silicate formula seems doable. The lower silicate formula help reduce silicate drop out which is generally considered the reason for the short life of higher silicate original green. Perhaps an email to Ashland/Valvoline would better answer your question.
Fwiw, ZOG would be my choice for original green, meets or exceeds many specs and testing.
Fwiw, ZOG would be my choice for original green, meets or exceeds many specs and testing.
First,you can use a test strip or send a sample to a lab for more detail...Also one would change it out before it became discolored..Zerex appears to be the same original green except with longer life..What you have to watch for in the green is the deteration of the rust inhibtors, if you wait till the color changes to rust you are over due for service!!!
sayjac,thanks for the reply..I was looking for more real world use since ashland is a little biased...I thought this fourm might some users who have used Zerex..
For a glycol based coolant to effectively exceed the two years of service mark, the anticorrosion package needs to be OAT. One of the challenges with the corrosion inhibitors of traditional green coolants (where the corrosion protection is accomplished by inorganic salts such as silicates, borates, and/or phosphates) is how to keep those from dropping once ionized. None of these chemicals are highly soluble. Now, a "low silicate" traditional formula might work, but at the expense of corrosion protection. Else, it is a variation of HOAT, with silicates.
Originally Posted By: Tanama
For a glycol based coolant to effectively exceed the two years of service mark, the anticorrosion package needs to be OAT. One of the challenges with the corrosion inhibitors of traditional green coolants (where the corrosion protection is accomplished by inorganic salts such as silicates, borates, and/or phosphates) is how to keep those from dropping once ionized. None of these chemicals are highly soluble. Now, a "low silicate" traditional formula might work, but at the expense of corrosion protection. Else, it is a variation of HOAT, with silicates.
Tanama,Thank You for your response...The Zerex original green dosn't use OAT technology and Iam not sure if it's a var on HOAT since I was unable to aquire enough info on the peak blend to compare.. ZEREX does state it's a low silicate formula with great corrosion protection!?
For a glycol based coolant to effectively exceed the two years of service mark, the anticorrosion package needs to be OAT. One of the challenges with the corrosion inhibitors of traditional green coolants (where the corrosion protection is accomplished by inorganic salts such as silicates, borates, and/or phosphates) is how to keep those from dropping once ionized. None of these chemicals are highly soluble. Now, a "low silicate" traditional formula might work, but at the expense of corrosion protection. Else, it is a variation of HOAT, with silicates.
Tanama,Thank You for your response...The Zerex original green dosn't use OAT technology and Iam not sure if it's a var on HOAT since I was unable to aquire enough info on the peak blend to compare.. ZEREX does state it's a low silicate formula with great corrosion protection!?
I would trust Zerex and their claims. Their literature says; "Its patented* low silicate formulation protects all engines", yet they call it "Original Green". It is possible this non OAT formula (non OAT means it does not performs corrosion protection by stabilizing the Ph, such as with carboxylate), which has some Glysantin formulation to effectively maintain the silicate in solution for the long haul. And they already have a Glysantin license in the G-05, so it is a possibility. I believe Pennzoil has a similar very low silicate, but I believe theirs is HOAT; now, they lack detailed information.
Originally Posted By: Tanama
I would trust Zerex and their claims. Their literature says; "Its patented* low silicate formulation protects all engines", yet they call it "Original Green". It is possible this non OAT formula (non OAT means it does not performs corrosion protection by stabilizing the Ph, such as with carboxylate), which has some Glysantin formulation to effectively maintain the silicate in solution for the long haul. And they already have a Glysantin license in the G-05, so it is a possibility. I believe Pennzoil has a similar very low silicate, but I believe theirs is HOAT; now, they lack detailed information.
Tanama,Further investigation on my part indicates this stuff(Zerex)is neither OAT or HOAT,but old fashioned IAT technology!!!!When they (Zerex)were pressed reletive to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recomendation.In the case of my 1999 Ford Ranger XLT V6,my manuel indicates a change around 24000 or 30000 miles.The revised manuel 4th edition indicates a change abt 45k...Glystantin may or may not play a part in this fluid!!The bottom line here is to do have the coolant analyzed and test stripped on a reg bases!!!I realize there are coolents that can go as high as 750k, however, the likeyhood of some type of failure in even 150k is probable,therefor it's best to stick with the green stuff since it's low cost compared to one like a 750k type!!!Also, best never to use tap water with all of the chemicals involved in it can a very deliterious effect on antifreeze life span...Iam just not into replacing heater cores as that is too much work!!!Finaly,when changeing antifreeze I make sure the old stuff must be removed from the entire system includeing the block so upon refil the entire system is 100% clean as this gives the longest life span IMHO!!!!
I would trust Zerex and their claims. Their literature says; "Its patented* low silicate formulation protects all engines", yet they call it "Original Green". It is possible this non OAT formula (non OAT means it does not performs corrosion protection by stabilizing the Ph, such as with carboxylate), which has some Glysantin formulation to effectively maintain the silicate in solution for the long haul. And they already have a Glysantin license in the G-05, so it is a possibility. I believe Pennzoil has a similar very low silicate, but I believe theirs is HOAT; now, they lack detailed information.
Tanama,Further investigation on my part indicates this stuff(Zerex)is neither OAT or HOAT,but old fashioned IAT technology!!!!When they (Zerex)were pressed reletive to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recomendation.In the case of my 1999 Ford Ranger XLT V6,my manuel indicates a change around 24000 or 30000 miles.The revised manuel 4th edition indicates a change abt 45k...Glystantin may or may not play a part in this fluid!!The bottom line here is to do have the coolant analyzed and test stripped on a reg bases!!!I realize there are coolents that can go as high as 750k, however, the likeyhood of some type of failure in even 150k is probable,therefor it's best to stick with the green stuff since it's low cost compared to one like a 750k type!!!Also, best never to use tap water with all of the chemicals involved in it can a very deliterious effect on antifreeze life span...Iam just not into replacing heater cores as that is too much work!!!Finaly,when changeing antifreeze I make sure the old stuff must be removed from the entire system includeing the block so upon refil the entire system is 100% clean as this gives the longest life span IMHO!!!!
Tanama,I forgot to add that in my case since I drive so few miles, a trade off with OAT technology is that the rust inhibitors 2-EHA and sebacate always take thousands of miles before they become fully effective at their job!!!There is trade offs in all versions of coolant technology!!!!!
Radiotron,
What was your source for "When they (Zerex)were pressed relative to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recommendation"
Thanks!
What was your source for "When they (Zerex)were pressed relative to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recommendation"
Thanks!
So apparently Zerex overplayed their claims with the "Traditional Green Coolant". Now, with a low silicate formulation, their corrosion protection capability is probably somewhat limited; but probably less chances for drop-out or solids suspension in the long run. Their coolant line-up is usually very good, but a little expensive.
Let me add, it is my understanding that any glycol based coolant manufacturer claiming to exceed the 5 yr/100,000 mi mark might be pushing its claim. At those usage levels, the glycols are prone to decomposition in to acidic by-products. Then, IAT, OAT, nor HOAT corrosion protection packages will be able to protect much. Now, for diesel engine coolants with SCAs, that might be different.
In most cases, anything above 100,000 mi might be a true overkill for most passenger vehicles. Then, a timing belt or water pump replacement might be in order, and the coolant has to come out.
Let me add, it is my understanding that any glycol based coolant manufacturer claiming to exceed the 5 yr/100,000 mi mark might be pushing its claim. At those usage levels, the glycols are prone to decomposition in to acidic by-products. Then, IAT, OAT, nor HOAT corrosion protection packages will be able to protect much. Now, for diesel engine coolants with SCAs, that might be different.
In most cases, anything above 100,000 mi might be a true overkill for most passenger vehicles. Then, a timing belt or water pump replacement might be in order, and the coolant has to come out.
doitmyself said:
Originally Posted By: Tanama
So apparently Zerex overplayed their claims with the "Traditional Green Coolant". Now, with a low silicate formulation, their corrosion protection capability is probably somewhat limited; but probably less chances for drop-out or solids suspension in the long run. Their coolant line-up is usually very good, but a little expensive.
Let me add, it is my understanding that any glycol based coolant manufacturer claiming to exceed the 5 yr/100,000 mi mark might be pushing its claim. At those usage levels, the glycols are prone to decomposition in to acidic by-products. Then, IAT, OAT, nor HOAT corrosion protection packages will be able to protect much. Now, for diesel engine coolants with SCAs, that might be different.
In most cases, anything above 100,000 mi might be a true overkill for most passenger vehicles. Then, a timing belt or water pump replacement might be in order, and the coolant has to come out.
Tanama,rite on you made my point for me quite eloquently I might add!!!!Plus I can get the green at my favorite price (for free) yet some of the high milage oat stuff can be as high as 45 dollars a gallon before shipping and handling!!!yikes!!!Plus if 100k can be done with original green then Peak and the rest of the green makers would jump on the band wagon!!They would have it printed on their respective bottles in glow in the dark paint!!!I would guess their bottles would say 125k!!For me long live original green!!!
So apparently Zerex overplayed their claims with the "Traditional Green Coolant". Now, with a low silicate formulation, their corrosion protection capability is probably somewhat limited; but probably less chances for drop-out or solids suspension in the long run. Their coolant line-up is usually very good, but a little expensive.
Let me add, it is my understanding that any glycol based coolant manufacturer claiming to exceed the 5 yr/100,000 mi mark might be pushing its claim. At those usage levels, the glycols are prone to decomposition in to acidic by-products. Then, IAT, OAT, nor HOAT corrosion protection packages will be able to protect much. Now, for diesel engine coolants with SCAs, that might be different.
In most cases, anything above 100,000 mi might be a true overkill for most passenger vehicles. Then, a timing belt or water pump replacement might be in order, and the coolant has to come out.
Tanama,rite on you made my point for me quite eloquently I might add!!!!Plus I can get the green at my favorite price (for free) yet some of the high milage oat stuff can be as high as 45 dollars a gallon before shipping and handling!!!yikes!!!Plus if 100k can be done with original green then Peak and the rest of the green makers would jump on the band wagon!!They would have it printed on their respective bottles in glow in the dark paint!!!I would guess their bottles would say 125k!!For me long live original green!!!
Originally Posted By: Radiotron500
....When they (Zerex)were pressed reletive to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recomendation....
I don't find that statement to be unusual or in conflict with the 'up to' 5year/100k mi. statement. If one looks at oil filter recommendations as an example, while one my be rated to 15k miles, the manufacturer won't recommend to use it beyond the vehicle manufacturers recommendation, as then warranty will become an issue. Out of warranty then use beyond the vehicle manufactures rec becomes an owner decision and responsibilty based on the product information available. So imo, I don't think Zerex is overplaying anything, but it is including a CYA statement as manufacturers of many aftermarket products for vehicles do.
To me the low silicated original green is an improvement on original green reducing silicate 'drop out' which in my understanding is the reason why original green was limited to ~2years 24k miles.
That said, based on the latest statements appears this discussion is now moot. I used Chevron low silicate (on label) original green in an Altima and would never have considered a old standard high silicate formula for that application. I suppose some can question the Zerex reommendation for whatever reasons. To each there own, but imo if one is going to use original green, then a low silicate formula is the way to go.
....When they (Zerex)were pressed reletive to their 5 year/100000 mile change out,they came clean and said change it according to the maintance manuel of the specific manufactures car or truck recomendation....
I don't find that statement to be unusual or in conflict with the 'up to' 5year/100k mi. statement. If one looks at oil filter recommendations as an example, while one my be rated to 15k miles, the manufacturer won't recommend to use it beyond the vehicle manufacturers recommendation, as then warranty will become an issue. Out of warranty then use beyond the vehicle manufactures rec becomes an owner decision and responsibilty based on the product information available. So imo, I don't think Zerex is overplaying anything, but it is including a CYA statement as manufacturers of many aftermarket products for vehicles do.
To me the low silicated original green is an improvement on original green reducing silicate 'drop out' which in my understanding is the reason why original green was limited to ~2years 24k miles.
That said, based on the latest statements appears this discussion is now moot. I used Chevron low silicate (on label) original green in an Altima and would never have considered a old standard high silicate formula for that application. I suppose some can question the Zerex reommendation for whatever reasons. To each there own, but imo if one is going to use original green, then a low silicate formula is the way to go.
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