Bit of green coolant remaining after change to g05... - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tangofox007 · #31 07-05-2014, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Now if someone can explain to me what causes the same gas to become inert in one container and dangerous in another, I'm all ears.

It seems like just about anything I buy in a can or bottle has a warning about how it harms people in California. Evidently, state lines are an important factor as well.

funola · #32 07-05-2014, 10:24 AM

So what is the proper way to dispose of used ethylene glycol antifreeze? Last time I checked (few years ago), Autozone does not take it, my local recycling center does not take it. I think pouring it into city sewers (toilet) was acceptable. The water treatment plant has huge sand filters which I think should take out most of the heavy metals.

uberwasser · #33 07-05-2014, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

So what is the proper way to dispose of used ethylene glycol antifreeze? Last time I checked (few years ago), Autozone does not take it, my local recycling center does not take it. I think pouring it into city sewers (toilet) was acceptable. The water treatment plant has huge sand filters which I think should take out most of the heavy metals.

Totally depends on where you live.

Sadly, some places don't have hazardous waste collection programs. Here, we just take it to the city facility that collects it, along with all of our other automotive fluids, paints, batteries, etc.

If you don't have that option, you should just call your local municipality and ask them. In some states they will say it's OK to put it in the sewer. When you call you could mention how much you'd like to have a better way to dispose of it...

mach4 · #34 07-05-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

It seems like just about anything I buy in a can or bottle has a warning about how it harms people in California. Evidently, state lines are an important factor as well.

Good point.

Do you think that a lot of what we're dealing with here is "political science" not that other old fashioned kind of science?

vstech · #35 07-05-2014, 12:28 PM

I think the topic of what to do with the antifreeze is up to the user, and research should be done on their own...
I did a little digging, and mostly what I could find was SHOPS and GOVERNMENT agencies should not dump antifreeze into the ground/sewer and they should recycle their antifreeze.
shops that deal with radiators should have a recycler on hand...

individuals wanting to dispose of quantities of antifreeze should take it to a radiator shop for recycling. I could not find any ruling by the epa concerning individuals...

enough on this topic please. back to the original topic of what the MERCEDES DIESEL should have in it.

97 SL320 · #36 07-05-2014, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

That said I would have done the same thing and walked away because the seller was rude.

In a similar situation I would walk away from the buyer if they would not accept a rational explanation backed up by experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

The Blazer, along with her brother Jimmy, could easily qualify as the poster children for the "benefits" of Dexcool. The Dexcool-soluable intake manifold gasket was particularly noteworthy, as it was a major contributor to "air in the system."

A poorly designed intake gasket is hardly a reason to blame coolant selection. The intake gasket is molded cured silicone bead in a plastic carrier. This plastic carrier limits compression of the silicone bead.

The problems here are the bead is very thin, intake manifold aluminum, head iron and surface condition of the two is sometimes too rough. Intake manifolds seem to the the biggest offender. And, mix in differing expansion rates / never change the antifreeze and you _will_ get a leak, regardless of the antifreeze used. Mix in lack of antifreeze changes and you will get corrosion of the aluminum.

And, the '80s Oldsmobile 307 V8 had an aluminum intake that leaked antifreeze when miles / time piled on. They were better than the GM 4.3 / 5.0 / 5.7 but the aluminum on iron interface was still an issue.

I base my thoughts from being in and around the auto repair business for more that a few decades. I'm now doing the manufacturing / equipment engineer thing at a factory further widening my scope.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Yes, those engine components that are dissolved by Dexcool need to be replaced periodically!!!

That sounds more like a design problem to me.

Not a Dex cool design problem, poor gasket / maint is the issue.

Have a look at this engine rebuilder trade magazine article

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/2010/07/closing-the-gap-on-intake-manifold-gaskets/

The disposal thread is relevant as the fluids need to go somewhere. On the ground at high concentrations isn't good, especially where there is little rain to dilute the antifreeze. In a sanitary sewer is acceptable, storm drain isn't. Draining antifreeze then flushing with water and dumping rinse water on ground isn't much of a problem due to concentration.