Here is MB's full list of coolants that meet their specs for passenger vehicles - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KAdams4458 · #16 01-26-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Zerex certainly would not agree with that conclusion.

http://www.valvoline.com/zerex/pdf/Zerex_CoolantChart.pdf?coaid=1B5D1AEA1AFC

I know, I know! G-05 for all of 'em! That is the exact Zerex chart they have in print. They don't get it. What they are not grasping is that G-05 is not the same thing as ordinary green coolant. They seem to firmly believe there are only two types, and if it isn't Dex-Cool, it must be the same as green stuff, no matter the colour.

It's screwy, because in every other matter, these guys seem to know what is going on, but then they completely fail at coolant 101.

MBNRA · #17 01-26-2009, 07:51 PM

I see no problem with Sierra. We use this all the time in the shop and we service Mercedes Benz heavy truck engines with plastic radiator tanks. My guess is that they are not aware of it.

cell · #18 01-26-2009, 09:52 PM

wait a second, wasn't propylene glycol the only thing available in the early eighties? if I have a 1979 300SD, I can't just use the ol' green stuff?

#19 01-26-2009, 10:35 PM

Lots of things have changed and vastly improved since the 80's. Would you still want to use 80's quality engine oil?

MBNRA · #20 01-26-2009, 11:37 PM

Polypropylene glycol came out and about in the 1980's, but it was prohibitively expensive at the time. Why use it if Ethylene glycol is 1/3rd the cost or less? Sierra is an American Brand not available in any other countruies yet according to the manufacturer. We use it in Mercedes Benz powered trucks all the time and have no problems whatsoever. And commercial trucks can have more than 1 million miles put on them.

Polypropylene Glycol has several advantages, it doesn't break down and cause corrosion, it is not deadly toxic, it transfers heat better, it has better performance in both hot and cold climates and it does not build up in the engine case as gunk deposits. I have been using Sierra for years in my 300D and I cannot find any reason not to do so. Nothing has worn out faster than normal and here in the desert where temps can soar to 120*F and higher, Sierra Polypropylene Glycol coolant does not boil dry in the resevoir tank like Ethylene can. Poly also does not clog up and gel in the engine case and radiator like Ethylene does.

cell · #21 01-27-2009, 12:07 AM

whoa, I have only just now discovered the DIY section of this site. this is amazing! I guess I just got in the habit of going straight for the diesel section and ignoring the rest. there is a whole section devoted to coolant

KAdams4458 · #22 01-27-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBNRA

Polypropylene glycol came out and about in the 1980's, but it was prohibitively expensive at the time. Why use it if Ethylene glycol is 1/3rd the cost or less? Sierra is an American Brand not available in any other countruies yet according to the manufacturer. We use it in Mercedes Benz powered trucks all the time and have no problems whatsoever. And commercial trucks can have more than 1 million miles put on them.

Polypropylene Glycol has several advantages, it doesn't break down and cause corrosion, it is not deadly toxic, it transfers heat better, it has better performance in both hot and cold climates and it does not build up in the engine case as gunk deposits. I have been using Sierra for years in my 300D and I cannot find any reason not to do so. Nothing has worn out faster than normal and here in the desert where temps can soar to 120*F and higher, Sierra Polypropylene Glycol coolant does not boil dry in the resevoir tank like Ethylene can. Poly also does not clog up and gel in the engine case and radiator like Ethylene does.

But does it taste as good?

Personally, I just like sticking with one coolant in all of my vehicles... It just so happens to be G-05. In a pinch, I can overpay and buy it from a Chrysler or Ford dealership, since they have been using it in recent years, though the Chrysler version is freakin' bright orange like Dex-Cool now, leading people to believe they are the same. Why the orange dye, I don't know. G-05 is a HOAT, I know... isn't Dex-Cool a OAT?

Darn it... Now I gotta do a Google search. I can't even remember exactly what HOAT and OAT mean. Hybrid Organic, somethin'-or-another...

MBNRA · #23 01-27-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

But does it taste as good?

Personally, I just like sticking with one coolant in all of my vehicles... It just so happens to be G-05. In a pinch, I can overpay and buy it from a Chrysler or Ford dealership, since they have been using it in recent years, though the Chrysler version is freakin' bright orange like Dex-Cool now, leading people to believe they are the same. Why the orange dye, I don't know. G-05 is a HOAT, I know... isn't Dex-Cool a OAT?

Darn it... Now I gotta do a Google search. I can't even remember exactly what HOAT and OAT mean. Hybrid Organic, somethin'-or-another...

One of the biggest reasons I use Sierra or Poly coolant is because out here it is so widely available. Sierra is the most popular brand but it can be found in other brands I'm sure. I've never seen Zerex G-05 here in the desert.