560SL engine coolant
 

This is not a new topic but please be patient. I changed the engine coolant on my recently acquired 560SL. I used Prestone as I have always on all of my automobiles. Prestone is "compatible with aluminum engines". I have seen considerable controversey regarding green stuff versus Mercedes orange stuff.

Now I don't want to my question to degrede into open warfare but I would like the truth from one of you experts out there. Is the orange stuff Benz hype or is there really something in it specific to the Benz aluminum alloy used in the engine? It is not a cost issue, it is an availability issue.

I seek the truth, not opinion.

Thank Troopers.

The Mercedes-recommended coolant is made for them by Ashland. It is a low phosphate, hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT), long life coolant/antifreeze. In engineering terms, everything I have read discusses the need for a stable chemistry that will not react with the materials that it comes in contact with. The Zerex G-05 is the same as M-B Coolant.
Read more and make up your own mind.
http://www.valvoline.com/zerex/automaker.asp

Coolant is coolant. Right?
Wrong. There is a difference in the chemical make up of different brands. The one recommended by any automotive manufacturer takes into account what effect it will have on their particular motor and its parts.
Using a non recommended brand won't have short term effects. It will cool the engine just as good. Its the LONGTERM use that will shorten the life of any number of components.

So...if I've been using green stuff, is it recommended to change BACK to pink stuff? Or, is potential damage done?

Ragtopper

Coolant
 

Thank you. I will change back to MB-spec coolant.

It doesn't have to be MB labeled, but it should be the G-05.

Just get yourself a bottle of Prestone Anti-Rust Inhibitor & pour it in w/your green stuff. My dad has always sworn by the stuff & has always put it in every vehicle he's owned. He keeps his cars forever & he's never replaced a coolant hose, water pump, or radiator.

I take a very conservative approach when it comes to chemicals. The bottom line is for stuff like anti freeze gear oil and things that don't get changed often, I just don't know, but I have seen enough damage from incompatible fluids that I stay away from non factory authorized fluids. So if I spend $22.00 a gallon for MB fluid verses $8.00 a gallon once every 3 years I dont loose too much sleep.

My biggest fluid problem I have right now is getting genuine Dexron or Mercon. One of the things I found out in the last 8 years or so, is oil manufactures have been leaving the name ie "Dexron" but removing the specification number ie GM XXXXXX, and consequently selling inferior oil. I replaced the torque converter in my F150 and later found out changing the fluid using Advanced Auto Parts store brand was really the only problem. The converter started chattering withing two years of the fluid change. My brother had the same problem with his E150 and changed the fluid and it went away.

I changed my fluid to Castrol Mercon/Dexron which at the time had the Ford and GM spec on the bottle. The last time I purchased Castrol Mercon/Dexron no specs. So what does that mean.

It means do you feel lucky?

John Roncallo