Sodium Based Additive Packages

[Gene K]

Im reluctant to use sodium based additive packages. Other than possibly allowing you to miss a coolant leak they appear to be a "cheaper" additive package.

What are the pluses and minuses of a sodium based additive package versus a package that uses more calcium or calcium/magnesium?

 

[JHZR2]

I always laugh at the value proposition arguments regarding components in oils.

I do totally agree on missing an antifreeze leak, though not sure if the Na/K ratios would be correct to make it not possible to flag...

 

[volk06]

Most oils with sodium have a large dose of calcium also. Sodium is an alternative to boron in oil formulations.

If you have a coolant leak there will be large amounts of potassium in your oil, just not sodium.

Mobil super and valvoline have been showing excellent wear numbers on recent used oil analysis.

 

[JAG]

Originally Posted By: volk06
Most oils with sodium have a large dose of calcium also. Sodium is an alternative to boron in oil formulations.

Sodium, calcium, and magnesium can play the same role as metal in a detergent but boron cannot. However it can be part of the detergent to impart different properties to the detergent. Boron is not a metallic element.

 

[edhackett]

Quote:
If you have a coolant leak there will be large amounts of potassium in your oil, just not sodium.


Not true. Some coolant formulations do not contain potassium.

Ed

 

[volk06]

I stand corrected. Thanks for the info. I was just reposting was I found in previous threads about sodium.

 

[edhackett]

Here's a thread that has the Na and K values for various coolants. Scroll through the thread to see others as they were added.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...true#Post213799

Ed

 

[GMorg]

I think that sodium sulphonates provide better oxidation protection than calcium and magnesium sulphonates alone even though all three are added as detergents. The sodium can also be a beneficial contaminant from the conversion of sodium sulphonates to calcium and/or magnesium sulfonates. However, I don't know what sodium compounds are being used.

 

[Gene K]

Originally Posted By: edhackett
Here's a thread that has the Na and K values for various coolants. Scroll through the thread to see others as they were added.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...true#Post213799

Ed


My truck uses HOAT Coolant (G05 Type) so its essentially K Free.

 

[dave1251]

How I remember the functions for sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) is how both are named on the periodic table. That is just how I can remember why either one is used in motor oils. For some reason I can not explain I prefer calcium used over sodium. I am just prejudiced against salt for some reason.