[ale] [OT][Way OT] Industrial Power Question

[tom]

Yikes! Big topic drift here...

On the other hand, since I haven't paid attention to car technology for 
close to 20 years, do you happen to know _which_ plastics are used for 
radiator/coolant componenets?

On Mon, 9 Feb 2009, Ken Cochran wrote:

> I've never had a problem with plastic radiators but I have had
> problems with other plastic cooling system components (pumps,
> valves, etc.).  I'm told through auto owner/enthusiast/service
> groups that the plastic cracking problem is caused by not using
> proper antifreeze.  We use the *carmaker's own* antifreeze,
> here's why: "Generic" antifreeze, while fine as antifreeze is
> not properly *buffered* chemically as is the factory stuff,
> even though it's likely made by the same company (e.g. Zerex).
> Exposure over time (50-80k miles would be about right)
> to coolant at the wrong pH causes various plastic cooling
> system components (not just the radiator tanks) become brittle
> and crack.  Since switching to the maker's own antifreeze
> (in these cases, Mercedes & Volkswagen) we've had no cooling
> system problems.
>
> -kc
>
>> Date: Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:57:14 -0500
>> From: Geoffrey <lists at serioustechnology.com>
>> To: ale at ale.org
>> Subject: Re: [ale] [OT][Way OT] Industrial Power Question
>>
>> We all have contrary stories.  I purchased two Mazda Proteges, one after
>> the other.  Both exhibited the exact same problem.  The radiator cracked
>> across the top at under 80K+ miles.  Who in their right mind makes a
>> radiator out of plastic?
>>
>> That being said, I've been very pleased with my 1999 mazda pickup.  No
>> major problems at this point, but then it's just under 80K.
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