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Coolant type question

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ktmrider, Oct 30, 2005.

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  1. ktmrider

    ktmrider Rookie

    Oct 30, 2005
    24
    #1 ktmrider, Oct 30, 2005
    What brand or type coolant is friendly to the Ferrari 328 ( 1988 ) ? I notice there are aluminum tubes running to the radiator so would guess Prestone , Xerex etc. a no go for the long term health of these pieces .
     
  2. matteo

    matteo F1 World Champ

    Aug 1, 2002
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    Heir Butt
    #2 matteo, Oct 30, 2005
    does not matter, just don't mix colors.
     
  3. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    510
    Orange, Ca
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    Mark Foley
    #3 Mark 328, Oct 30, 2005
    There have been other threads on this subject, but my understanding is that the Prestone types have Silicates in them. If you change the coolant every year you will probably be ok with them, but after a year the silicates can become corrosive to aluminum. Many say the Mercedes Benz coolant is hte the best--you do see this on the shelves at some parts stores. I use the BMW coolant; it is about $8/gal at the BMW dealer and it is blue. I understand the BMW and the MBX stuff is very similar.

    Mark
     
  4. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
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    Franklin E. Parker
    #4 parkerfe, Oct 31, 2005
    I too use BMW coolant and it works great.
     
  5. Dave

    Dave F1 Rookie

    Apr 15, 2001
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    Little Rock
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    David Jones
    #5 Dave, Oct 31, 2005
    Use a coolant which is aluminum safe.
     
  6. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Don the 16th
    #6 don_xvi, Oct 31, 2005
    Indeed, there have been many discussions about this, but the best article that I've seen linked that discussed this sort of thing convinced me to stick with green for my 308. I don't even remember the compatibilities involved, but I know it's NOT trivial to put some of these new coolants into vehicles. I'm talking on the OEM level and assuring compatibility of all wet parts, and if a major automaker determines that some of the components in their cooling system aren't going to hold up with a change of coolant color, how are you going to know if your stuff will?
     

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