Can't find Zerex G05, only alternative MB coolant? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

abe g · #1 09-29-2009, 01:22 PM

Using prestone (green) over 32 years. in my 77 450sl. Replaced one water pump in that time. (replace prestone every 5 years)This is an ongiing discussion,suggest that water content is critival factor. If local water is reasonably free of minerals, no problems.If heavy mineral content no antifreeze is fool proof. Just my 2 cents. Good luck all,Abe G

mbzman · #2 09-29-2009, 01:41 PM

What colour should the Mercedes coolant be?

workerunit · #3 09-29-2009, 01:53 PM

I am curious, what is so different about the cast iron, aluminum and plastic used in a M/B compared to any other vehicle. Why do M/B vehicles require special coolant? Could it be the the corrosion that a previous poster mentioned be caused by the use of cooling system flush chemicals or improper coolant/water ratios? or differed cooling system maintenance or some sort of improper electrical charge in the cooling system due to a bad ground?

Really, I would like some real answers or links to real answers other than a pat "you can only use M/B coolant or XYZ coolant in a M/B".

Just curious........

babymog · #4 09-29-2009, 06:47 PM

A valid question / request.

The first link is to a STAR article in PDF, a good read.

https://mbwholesaleparts.com/StarTuned/pdfs/AntiFreeDec04.pdf

The second to a coolant discussion that should probably be a DIY sticky:

Coolant

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerunit

Really, I would like some real answers or links to real answers other than a pat "you can only use M/B coolant or XYZ coolant in a M/B"

hookedon210s · #5 09-29-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

I just re-read this. I might be out of my element here, having never owned a vintage SL. It could be that your heads are indeed aluminum; I really don't know...

Lots of aluminum bits on the 450SL and other much earlier MB engines dating to the 50's. Non-diesel heads were aluminum with various water pump/thermostat housing bits also made of aluminum. The mid 50's to early 60's 300SL had alloy blocks too as did the M189 engined 300SE from 1961-1967. The M130 engines from the late 60's to 70's tended to have numerous head related problems including corrosion but I'm not sure how much of the corrosion problems with those engines was due to poor cooling system maintenance or what. Mark

Hirnbeiss · #6 09-29-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe g

Using prestone (green) over 32 years. in my 77 450sl. Replaced one water pump in that time. (replace prestone every 5 years)This is an ongiing discussion,suggest that water content is critival factor. If local water is reasonably free of minerals, no problems.If heavy mineral content no antifreeze is fool proof. Just my 2 cents. Good luck all,Abe G

How much aluminum is there in your cast iron veteran?

gmercoleza · #7 09-29-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe g

Using prestone (green) over 32 years. in my 77 450sl. Replaced one water pump in that time. (replace prestone every 5 years)This is an ongiing discussion,suggest that water content is critival factor. If local water is reasonably free of minerals, no problems.If heavy mineral content no antifreeze is fool proof. Just my 2 cents. Good luck all,Abe G

Um, the engine in your car is totally different compared to more modern ones. The newer ones use far more aluminum.

Also, there will always be someone who does fine without following the manufacturer's requirements. That doesn't necessarily mean those requirements are trivial.

gmercoleza · #8 09-29-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

Um, the engine in your car is totally different compared to more modern ones. The newer ones use far more aluminum.

I just re-read this. I might be out of my element here, having never owned a vintage SL. It could be that your heads are indeed aluminum; I really don't know...