PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

lkchris · #7 12-26-2000, 05:44 PM

Well, I wouldn't say this is an argument, although calling it one is a pretty worn tactic for disputing something in the absense of knowledge or evidence. Rather, the fact is ...

... there is no mechanic with the authority or knowledge to contradict manufacturer-specified products.

In the aircraft industry, such a mechanic would likely lose his or her job should he or she carry out such actions. Possibly your Alaska Air DC-9 would dive into the Pacific simply as a result of using two different brands of grease on the elevator jackscrew. (Current theory, not yet confirmed.)

Seems pretty much fact to me as well that very few mechanics have degrees in chemistry or engineering or are experts in metalurgy. It takes a team to get this right, and mechanics should defer to team members with the requisite knowledge on issues like this. Should I encounter a mechanic that desires to be a "one man show" or "not a team player," I'd just walk away and would recommend others do so as well. The desire to save a few cents could possibly be seen as admirable, but generally it's penny wise-pound foolish. The cost difference in using the specified product is negligible.

Interesting thing about this for sure is the financial motivation. Seems until recently it's likely independent mechanics couldn't procure Mercedes-spec antifreeze except from their local Mercedes dealer. Probably not much discount doing that. Dealer may not deliver to the independent's shop, either. Probably lots of motivation to make profit on parts and supplies sales, which this situation complicates and which drives independent mechanics to recommend something they can more easily procure and make more profit on. They may even very honestly believe they are doing the right thing--that is, I'm not trying to personally attack anyone and recognize there are lots of factors here. I suggest now that Glysantin is available here, the situation should ease somewhat.

The fact also is the base stock for about all automotive antifreeze is indeed ethylene glycol as was noted (it could also be propylene glycol--Sierra, etc.) but it's truly the additional components that make the difference and the additive packages are very definitely different, as is, reportedly, the performance. Just like a lot of other chemicals, motor oil being another example.

This is all a conspiracy between Mercedes and some antifreeze manufacturer, right? Mechanics always know more than engineers, especially the engineers that designed the vehicles they work on, right? There are no better parts or chemicals than those on WalMart's shelves, right? Just simple logic would suggest differently.

Unless a respondent can cite scientific studies and evidence and manufacturer agreement, I'd suggest this forum is not the place to seek or provide recommendations on automotive chemicals. How to install, how to repair, how to diagnose ... it's great.