Dorkiphus.net - Coolant flushes for water pumpers ...

Anyone here have info on coolant flushes using the BG machine [forced flush with chemicals first] versus the old fashioned remove plugs in block [ala V8 style] run the flush chemical and garden hose, button up, fill with coolant / distilled water of choice? Know if the machine is as thorough? believe the crap published on extended life 5 year 100K coolant lives? Know the time certain types of coolants take to plate the internals with protection [in miles or engine hours]? Lots of info out there .. wanted some first hand experience.

I have read up on the flush chemical and BG machine seems safe for seals etc... but, having just completed the IM gaskets on the 'burban and not wanting to harm the BMW ... was curious what people's [924 / 944 / 968 etc... ] experiences might be. I am aware of the phosphate free, silicate free, nitrate free, plastisizer free, OATS, HOATS, Dex-cool debates / discussions.

And yes, I know if you are racing you aren't using AF on the track in your water pumper :wink:

Thanks.

Jason

Glossary of terms:

Quote:

Antifreeze: Pure glycol (typically 95%) with an inhibitor package added. Antifreeze can not be used by itself, it must be mixed with water before being put into the engine's cooling system.

Azole: These chemicals provide copper and brass protection. The two most common are MBT (Mercaptobenzothiazole) and TT (or TTZ) (Tolyltriazole).

Borate: a very soluble pH buffer used in premium antifreezes.

Coolant: Antifreeze mixed with water, or water mixed with an additive package for use in warm climates.

Conventional Coolant: Ethylene glycol that contains a corrosion inhibition package consisting of inorganic inhibitors such as silicate, phosphate, nitrate, and azoles.

Fully Formulated antifreeze or coolant. A modern product that contains all of the necessary inhibitors for both diesel and gasoline powered engines. (TMC RP-329 or TMC RP-330 specifications)

Ethylene Glycol: The most common base used in the manufacturing of antifreeze.

Nitrite: The primary inhibitor for wet sleeve liner pitting protection. It also protects against rust.

Nitrate: A corrosion inhibitor that provides solder and aluminum protection.

pH: A measure of the alkalinity of the coolant.

Reserve Alkalinity: A measurement of the number of milliliters of acid that is required to reduce the pH of a coolant sample to 5.5. A quality control tool.

Silicate: The primary conventional inhibitor for aluminum. In heavy duty coolants, lower (less than 250 ppm) silicate concentrations are generally preferred.

Phosphate: An inexpensive pH buffer. Phosphate is used in some antifreeze brands. It is not permitted in coolant used to protect Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen MTU or Detroit Diesel engines.

Propylene Glycol: A less toxic, but more costly, alternative to Ethylene Glycol.