Engine
Coolant Selection
#1
(snip) The original head gasket was pretty chewed up. Recently read where, being an aluminum
engine, it is vital that the coolant be as silicon/phosphate free as possible - formulated for use
in an all aluminum block.
My mechanic says this is the norm rather than the exception when he pulls 928 heads. If
anyone has ever used the wrong coolant or left coolant in too long the head gets eaten. Why
are so many 928's owned by a slacker somewhere along the line? Anyway, mechanic won't use
anything besides Autobahn coolant because that what Porsche dealerships use. Kim Crumb
said in Panorama that Zerek Extreme 450 is approved by Porsche. Has anyone else heard this?
You know how Red Line is the ultimate synthetic lube, what is the ultimate coolant and why?
Please post your coolant opinions and list specific brands and types if anyone would like to
discuss it.
*Eric Hoffman
#2
There are now other brands that specifically say they are Phosphate and silicon free, and are
completely compatible with Porsche engines. My mechanic uses Quaker State which says in
bold print "100% Phospate Free." Prestone now makes a long lasting coolant that is also
phosphate and silicate free, but the text is in fine print. I guess, they do't want to stop folks from
buying the other formula they make, which isn't phosphate and silicon free.
Merry motoring. Ed Ruiz
#3
When I flushed my cooling system last spring, I ended up choosing Texaco's Havoline
Dex-Cool Extended Life Anti-Freeze/Coolant. Compared to all the other brands on the shelf at
the time, it was the only one that was phosphate and silicate free. The Dex-Cool in the name
means that it has met a GM standard for extended life coolants. Texaco's web page has a info
on their coolants.
(http://www.texaco.com/products/default.htm)
When I was flushed the system in my wife's Mercedes, I went to the dealer for "official"
Mercedes coolant. Surprisingly, it
--
Jim Stadter
'83 928 S 5-speed (U.S. spec)
#4
Zerek Extreme 450 is available at NAPA for about $11/gal. It comes in a silver container. That
lame Zerex guy, no help at all!
*Eric Hoffman