[DML] 5 Year Antifreeze, anyone?

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxx>]

I just searched the backissues and was surprised to find that no one has
asked about using the new, high tech 5 year antifreezes in DeLoreans.
Does anyone have an opinion on this?

A mechanic friend has been very consciencious in reminding me that the
DeLorean was designed to have its antifreeze changed every year . . .
possibly two years if the car is lightly driven. He cautions me that
even in storage the aluminum protective ability of antifreeze disappears
in 2-3 years and engine/radiator damage comes swiftly as the coolant's
acidity changes.

This might partially explain the alarming number of DeLorean radiator
failures I have seen discussed here.

The new "long life" antifreezes could be a wonderful help to us.
Costing only about $1 per gallon more than old fashioned antifreeze,
this stuff sounds like a terriffic bargain. As I understand it
Prestone's 5 year antifreeze is now standard on new GM cars.

After carefully reading the label, I found no mention that this stuff is
guaranteed for aluminum engines. They promise "five years of protection
for aluminum radiators." Almost every car has an aluminum radiator, and
I can get 5 years out of ordinary antifreeze in my iron-engine Chevy.
What about my aluminum engine DeLorean?

I called Prestone's consumer information line (800)-862-7737 but they
only gave me exactly the same information that the label had.

I am inclined to believe that the new antifreeze will give my DeLorean
five years of worry-free protection, and I am ready to run out and buy
some immediately. If any DMLer knows differently please post a caution
for all of us!

- Mike Substelny
(changing antifreeze religiously, still using original
radiator after 18 years and 60,000+ miles)


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