What advantages does the Zerex G05 coolant really have?

[machoheadgames]

I didn't specify what coolant was in use (if any) when seeing corroded cooling systems. Corrosion is mostly caused by neglect and not changing the coolant in the first place - or diluting it with water. Green coolant is fine in a 1963 GMC or a 1978 Chevy. It absolutely, positively is NOT fine in a European engine, its not made for their alloys. Whether or not its OK in our engines is up to debate - my feeling is its probably just fine - but its easy/cheap enough to run the recommended coolant, so I do so.

And yes, I use distilled water. I didn't always do so, but I have for many years now. I also always add a bottle of Water Wetter.

Green is perfectly fine, as that IS the recommended coolant up to a certain year. Nothing changed at that year specifically. They just updated the whole lineup. I recommend sticking to the manual just because it’s easier, but either coolant would work fine in any year.

 

[machoheadgames]

Also worth pointing out that the 5yr/150k green Prestone is not the same as the inorganic green antifreeze that would've been the factory fill; it's still an organic antifreeze similar to the G05. The main difference is the dye, and the lack of any additives that will cause problems when mixed with any other OAT antifreeze. Prestone Prime is the true old-school green and still only advertises a two year lifespan.

I run that 5yr/150k Prestone OAT green in my TJ and my LS-swapped C10, and whenever I get around to changing the antifreeze in them, it'll also be what goes in my Opel GT and my Kubota. My TJ's cooling system was already in piss-poor shape when I bought it so it needed a full flush for many reasons, so changing what was already a murky mix of antifreeze out for Prestone was a no-brainer. Also helps that you can find it basically anywhere and everywhere that sells antifreeze, and that is definitely not the case for G05.

My old WJ is where I developed my distaste for G05, since that had been meticulously dealer maintained and the cooling system never did anything justifying a full flush, but I wanted to, just for the color alone.

I dunno about Prestone, but Zerex advertises an original green that is IAT and 5Y/150K. Not sure what they did to make that happen but that’s how they advertise it.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I use Prestone "all makes and models" green coolant for all years of my Jeeps. I also use a good chemical flush (Thermocure/Blue Devil) every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage. I'd tell you how many miles I have on my original radiator and water pump, but last time I bragged about 20 years, it started leaking a week later. Karma.

 

[IOwnCalculus]

I dunno about Prestone, but Zerex advertises an original green that is IAT and 5Y/150K. Not sure what they did to make that happen but that’s how they advertise it.

Huh, you're not kidding. But then the cynic in me also suspects it's a meaningless claim; I'm sure they'll couch that claim with "or manufacturer's recommendation", same as Prestone does.

 

[FarFire70]

I run the Zerex G05 (in my 2005) because this was the early 2000s when GM was going through all their troubles with DexCool when it hit or mixed with the usual (at the time) green fluid.

Still use Zerex G05 to this day but have no reason other than to stay consistent with the manual. Been using Zerex because it was the only one available at the time in the mid-2000 other than Mopar and was HOAT certified and save $ vs Mopar.

Great discussion. — You've reminded that I'm due for a flush & replacement of coolant.