Duke:

Very nice explanation - simple and to the point.

hi im from the tropics so i dont need any anti freeze coolant. what is most important is a coolant that will lower my engine temp. In the case of Water Wetter it really works. i recommend it during very hot weather .

Does Water Wetter have corrosion inhibitors and lubricants? You really do need those even in the tropics.

Jorg

This is what happens if you don't have proper boiling protection. This head was from Texas where customers often replace the coolant mix with pure water for better heat transfer. These are the inner passages of an aluminum head on the suction side of the coolant flow. The combination of suction pressures and lack of boilover protection caused the bubbles from boiling to pound away at the material until a leak path was formed to the outside of the head.

My car has 112K on it and it has . . . .
 

always used MB af and distilled water (DW). A few months ago, I drained the radiator and while it was up on the hoist, I removed the bottom radiator hose. The interior of the radiator was plainly visible and it was as clean as new. No lime, calcium deposits.

However, as important as the use of MB af is, the most important is the use of DW. All modern af mixtures will support the use of tap water but if you really want to keep the coolant system clean through out its life, use DW!

The use of tap water degrades the length that you can keep the coolant from becoming an 'acid' because as the water breaks down, the 'protective' properties of the af get depleted. With DW, the time is increased and you can easily go 2 years before flushing.

Water Wetter has a rust inhibitor and provides added cooling for the engine. More info can be found on my web page, MENU#17.

But if you used . . .
 

distilled water, you would not have to use a citric flush! BION!

I don't use distilled water, the tap water in my area is pretty free of deposits.

And my dad works for the water company, so he doesn't think it needs to be filtered more. :D

to : 89-300ce

i use water wetter with distilled water or tap water. From what it says from the bottle it lubricates water pump seals, reduces rust corrosion, improve heat transfer, and can be use with all antifreeze/coolants.

As of now im pretty much satisfied.

Not trying to be confrontational, but I am a little confused
 

Huh. My Indie uses green (not sure if its Al approved) and has for 30yrs on MB's and hasn't had a problem.


For what its worth, this is the best MB mechanic for 200miles, and when ever "MB" and "repair" is mentioned in the same sentence, the words 'Shuler ********' is invariably mentioned as the only place to go.

*shrug* Whatever works. :)

To the best of my knowledge as MB coolant ages the ph increases, or becomes more basic not acidic. Using a swimming pool test strip determine the actual ph of the coolant. A ph reading between 7 and 8 is acceptable. If the ph exceeds 8 the coolant should be changed. Reportedly the ph of MB coolant right out of the bottle is 5.5 and as water is added the 50/50 mix becomes neutral (7).

Does Mercedes also offer a Blue color antifreeze / coolant as well as the orange?

Yes, I believe the newer Mercedes come with blue coolant. I have read it is compatable with the old pale yellow coolant.

I just bought 2 gallons of the orange stuff. Should I have bought the Blue? What's the difference?

Orange?

Some guys call if orange, but the coolant I have always bought at the dealer has always looked like a very pale yellow to me.

I don't think it matters which color you use, though. I have read that they are all compatable.

I have never seen blue coolant, I will ask the guys at the dealer next time I'm their about it.