"PURPLE ICE" by Royal Purple

[serious II]

I saw an ad in "Hot Rod" for "PURPLE ICE" coolant additive ( made by Royal Purple ). It supposedly "reduces coolant tension, reduces coolant tempatures, lubricates water pump seals" and is compatible with both glycol and Dex-Cool.

Is this stuff snake oil? Anyone use it?

 

[rg144]

I don't know if you want cooler temps - a colder engine has more wear. If you do a search on Redline's 'Water Wetter' I think it was even associated with causing oil problems leading to sludge. The other things sound good, but fresh coolant does the same thing - or even the Prestone stuff to extend the coolant by adding rust inhibitor and lubricant. Personally I just replace the coolant per owner's manual recommendations.

 

[reyjay1]

[
Is this stuff snake oil? Anyone use it? [/QB][/QUOTE]


I am trying it out right now, it will not reduce overall coolant temp, as you have a thermostat that regulates this. what it will do is transfer heat more efficiently in thise possible hot spots in the engine. This is good. I am using it because I think it will also reduce the need for SCA's, which I have to add to my coolant for cavitation erosion. The sludge some people have reported with watter wetter has not been a problem that I could find with Purple Ice. Some reported using both after the WW caused some of the precipates to fall out their coolant and the PI did not. I have no doubt it works, just don't expect to be able to see the results but it is another of those added protection things.

 

[serious II]

What are "SCA's"?

 

[reyjay1]

SCA's = Sacrificial Coolant Additive's , ussually used in diesel engines with ethylene glycol/water coolant mixtures. helps prevent cavitation erosion of cylinder wall linings leading to coolant leaking in to the engine.. etc.
Stands to reason if the cavitation is reduced by lowering suface tension of the water, increasing it's 'wetting' capability, less SCA's are needed.

 

[Stinky Peterson]

Sorry, but SCA = Supplemental Coolant Additives.

I would not reduce the amount of SCA you are using as the risk is very great. I don't know of any engine manufacturers that recommend these "wetting" type additives. That's not to say they aren't beneficial, I just wouldn't risk it with my engine.

 

[trynew]

There is another plant-derived additive that claims to be a "heat sink" not a "wetting agent". They say it will allow an engine to warm up faster but keep the engine bay cooler in hot weather. It is called "Motormax".
Motormax

I have mentioned it before, but no one seems to know much about it. The reaction of many to anything new or unconventional is to dismiss it, but those who enjoy experimenting with new products and reporting back to us the results (whether successful or unsuccessful) do us all a service.

 

[RTexasF]

Once at the Motormax site click on home, then click on the review. It makes for interesting reading and did lower engine and air condition temps as claimed.