Shop put in GREEN coolant when I had the M-B orange

[frosty]

Should heads roll? Need to make a stink about it? Is it the end of the world? I'm not mad, but should I? I rememember reading something about GREEN vs ORANGE coolant here before and something about mixing the colors--is this an issue at all? This is a M-B shop that did it, so I guess it's okay? Please advise! Thanks.

[danwatt]

Start looking for a different shop.

[lkchris]

Judging from the most commonly used look of "orange," the MB coolant is actually closer to yellow.

What perhaps majority calls orange is color of GM-specification Dex-Cool. That's not for Mercedes either.

[mpolli]

Well, I fear we will start another coolant thread!! But as I remember, the Mercedes stuff is a clear or slightly "straw" color, not orange or green. And you are supposed to use distilled water!! But I suppose it might depend on the year and model. What car do you have? I assume you are talking about a MB dealer? I assume they should know what they are doing...

Mike

[Ethan]

First we need make sure that no factory fill long life euro coolant is being sold in the US.
Because when you mix original fill Mercedes blue coolant with traditional Mercedes yellow coolant, and don't drain the block you get a blue green mixture.

Plus what color is the ZEREX coolant that I read is Mercedes compatible?

[frosty]

Indie M-B shop

1990 190E

In for upper/lower radiator hose change

The coolant I put in is from M-B and I guess it's not really orange but more of a pale tp almost clearish orange hue.

My resv. tank looks green now. Looks like a run of the mill GREEN COOLant was added?

Is this BAD? MUST KNOW! Do I need to grind the ax? Thanks.

[Gary Ganaway]

I have used the Zerex coolant and it is a yellow color like te MB coolant..probably made for MB.

[mike65]

I'd sue the b'stards!

Seriously though, I doubt your 190e will show any signs of corrosion in the
rad. While its a pity its not the End of the World.

Mike.

ps mines blue btw.

[BobK]

I think I would talk to them nicely about using non-MB spec coolant. They may feel it is ok. I do not. The price difference for the green is so small. What other MB recommendations do they ignore? Your cooling system will probably run a long time on green. It will probably run longer on the factory coolant. Then again, you should change it every two years anyway. You can buy a lot of antifreeze for the price of one radiator.

[softconsult]

Bad long term, short term no problem. It's not the radiator, but rather the cooling passages in the aluminum head that are the issue. Why agonize?

Tell them to drain and refill with MB or Zerex G-05 coolant. No big deal.
If they give you static, then just do it yourself. Very easy.

Steve

[Pete Burton]

I believe the correct Zerex G-05 coolant also prevents premature embrittlement of plastic radiator tanks. These tanks are prone to failure by cracking on the hose necks.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by BobK

I think I would talk to them nicely about using non-MB spec coolant....

I agree, the first step is to go talk with them about it. Ask questions, listen to their recommendations. If they use price as a guide, tell them you are willing to pay a bit more for 'the good stuff.' If they cite years of experience using a product, you might believe them... If you trust them, keep talking and keep trusting them.

[5280BENZ]

On the back label of a 1 gallon container of ZEREX G-05 antifreeze/coolant is the following statement:
"G-05 Antifreeze is used in the production of the following vehicles:
>All Mercedes Vehicles"

[MikeF]

It may be conicidence but...I had a flush done and the shop used green juice. About 2 months later my water pump blew up (green juice everywhere). Only MB ever since...