Non-Porsche anti freeze/coolant
 

Have any of you used a non Porsche antifreeze/coolant? If going non Porsche, what is commonly used? I can get Zerex and Prestone products around here. Not sure which type of each brand is used in a Porsche. Thanks.

Because mixing types (Not up on the exact different types) of coolant can cause serious issues. if you currently have Porsche Antifreeze, you would need to flush it out completely before replacing it. I flushed mine twice before refilling with Porsche coolant from Porsche coolant. I'm not sure I flushed out all of the old. I think you would have to pull the hoses off the radiators and make sure they were drained

Prestone Dexxcool will do. Very compatible and won't cause problems. A good flush would be nice, distilled water of course. It's OAT based and doesn't contain silicates.

Doug427,

When I replaced my two radiators on my 99 Boxster, I used VW antifreeze.

It is the exact same stuff that comes in the Porsche jug, it just doesn't have the Porsche mark up.

MNC-I

It's like an oil thread, many different thoughts on what to use. ;)

I went with Zerex G-05 when I did my water pump as that's the MB-spec stuff I used in my E320. When I do a flush next it'll likely be Pentosin G12.

Pentosin Pentofrost ++ here.

What, something beside Porsche Unicorn derived coolant can be used?

+1 on the G12 or G13 VW coolant.
I used it a couple of years back when I did the water pump and Tstat.
The world hasn’t ended yet.

Just to keep it consistent with NO question, Porsche blood for me. Learned this lesson the hard way in my Jeep...

I unfortunately have oil in the coolant, likely (I hope) due to a faulty oil cooler or o-ring. It's be flushed super thoroughly, so no real chance of contamination with the new coolant. It just irks me the ridiculous price that Porsche charges for simple coolant. Simple DexCool, if it works, is inexpensive and available. I really can't see any reason it won't be just fine. I also noticed that in his water pump replacement how-to (or maybe it was his cooling system flush how-to writeup), Pedro, who has forgotten more about Porsche's than I will likely ever know, used plain 'ol green Prestone. Thanks to all of you for the answers.

Years ago I worked in a GM service lane and saw quite a few vehicles come in where the Dex-Cool gelled up and created all kind of cooling system issues. Simply anecdotal evidence but unless they've re-formulated the product that would be the last coolant I would consider.

This is because Dexcool (aka Deathcool) was originally introduced without proper validation with all components for compatibility, killing elastomeric seals, gaskets, etc.

With above said, it works fine when the entire system is properly designed and validated for. Actually I use it exclusively with my 03 SAAB and no compatibility issues for 175K mikes and counting.

With my 986, I’m sticking with original Porsche coolant. Pricey but I did complete drain and refill shortly after my purchase 12K miles ago and I do not plan on changing it for at least 5 years so no big deal.

I didnt hit up the dealership. I just bought stuff that was for Porsche, vw, Audi and a few other euro makes. The brand I got also makes stuff specific to Japanese and North American cars and list brand compatibility

Back when I had my Bimmer I used to use the gold colored Zerex G-05. Maybe I'm better trying that?

My understanding is that mixing coolant types was a bigger deal back when the 986 was a new car, and there were multiple (and not necessarily compatible) formulas out there. Now, they're mostly the same. But if your coolant is original, it's probably time for a flush anyway.

The Porsche coolant (pink stuff) is uncut - you need to mix it with an equal quantity of (preferably distilled) water before putting it in your car. With that in mind, it's really not that expensive compared to Prestone and others (last time I checked they were selling Prestone as a pre-cut 50/50 mix)...

DexCool... if you use it, be sure to flush the stock coolant out (preferably flush it twice!) and change it when you get about 100,000 miles on it. After that you risk it turning into a thick gel...

Here you go :cool:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qYX4kRaOvTM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

(Honestly, I coudn't stand to watch enough of the video to learn the answer...)

Not a chance I would put Dex-cool in an engine, flushed or not. As mentioned the Porsche coolant is full strength, so two to one, basically. Not that much more expensive. The bigger discussion is actually getting all of the old coolant out, and then bleeding the system properly. There are numerous nooks and crannies in the coolant system with the rads up front, just something to be aware of and keep in mind. With all the other stuff that can mess with a drivetrain, I prefer to err and the slightly more exspensive side and use the fluids designed for the engine/trans. Yeah, the Porsche stuff is unicorn blood, but it is the right stuff, and that’s never a bad thing. Most likely never replace it again, and if so, maybe once. So value wise, no issue.

Anyone fluching and changing their coolant needs to see this....
 

This guy has the whole issue down to a "T". What to use and how to do it. These two vids are a must see for anyone flushing and replacing coolant. This guy seems to really have his act together.

What coolant to use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMkoxlm6mzI


How to flush and change coolant in a Boxster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whc8e6baACw

Seems like good old plain simple Prestone is the way to go.



By the way, that idiot "Scotty" on the YouTube above has to be the most annoying creature on the face of the earth. How the heck does anyone watch him at all?

I like Burner, but this video about coolant sure is long winded. Almost went to sleep!

Maybe customers were topping off with the green stuff (silicates precipitating.) Plus, I suggest that no formulations are static, things do change. Dexx is a standard (I believe by GM) and different brands may be and probably are slightly different formulations.:dance:

Pentofrost SE O'Reilly sells it
 

I bought pentofrost SF 1.5L at O'Reillys. Auto-Haus said OK for Boxster.

Here is a topic I have never seen discussed. Has anybody used a 'flush chemical' prior to refilling? I am going to guess the OEM fluid group hasn't. What about the Prestone faithful? Prestone makes a 'flush and cleaner.' Back in the day when the earth was flat, I always used a flush on my cast iron blocks before replacing the anti-freeze.

Most threads/videos speak to flushing once or twice with distilled only.

Yes Porsche coolant is expensive, but really do you want to risk problems for maybe less than $100 difference????

I know that Mercedes has a citric acid flush. If the directions are followed exactly, it works well for breaking down gunk. Some forum posters claim it's not as strong as the Prestone flush, for what it's worth.

Unless you want to replace your water pump, I would suggest against it. We only use flush chemicals in the case of an intermix, other wise just flush it with clear water.

The previous owner of my 01 had an ongoing relationship with a garden hose. When I pulled the engine, I noticed a lot of scale in the water pump housing and other coolant connections to the engine. I'm not going to use a flush chemical, but will (as finances permit) either buy new radiators or have them boiled out at a radiator shop. The replacement engine and new water pump have no scale--the previous owner of my engine did his/her due diligence in that regard.

You have to pull coolant hoses off the front of the engine anyway, it's a good time to evaluate the hard water deposits.

For that matter, one could use white vinegar & distilled water as a flush. Probably a 50/50 mix and drive it for a day would do. The stuff in a coolant system is water & acid soluble, shouldn't be any oily or greasy residue. :cheers:

Thanks for all of the input. Should've thought of vinegar myself. I use vinegar, once a year, on my tank-less water heater. Works great. I am over-due for a coolant flush and fill. I am going to drain the system and see how crusty it is inside and then decide.

Coolant is cheap. Engines are expensive.

You bought a Porsche. Pony up.

There are plenty of Miatas out there.

I replaced several years ago when I replaced my water pump, engine mount, and thermostate. Used the stuff at Walmart for Porsches/German cars. When I added a center S radiator the coolant was fine.

Pretty easy. Porsche uses Glysantin G30 (OAT) for the M96 engines Glysantin / BASF is the OEM supplier for Porsche coolant. So search for an OAT coolant that fits the ingredients of / compatility with Pentosin G30.

G30® | Glysantin®

Glysantin G40 (SiOAT) is not compatible with the engines and definetely not recommended.

If you haven't yet, then visit Pedro's site. Lot's of good info. The attached is specific to your question.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Some people on the other forums say this is the same as the Porsche Bottled product. I been using it for 5 years not issues. Also sold at Advanced Auto.

I've got the 100% certified P-car stuff in mine. Replaced at 95k miles and now have 134K. I'm pretty sure its kept my IMS from failing...it should at $30/gallon.

I used the P-car stuff and figured I'd never have to replace it again. I've kept my car way longer (10 years) than I thought I would as it has been bullet proof and a blast. I've got about 50k miles more to go before I have to address again. No idea what I'll do next time but I'll lean toward the P-car stuff as worring about the IMS is enough for me!

PS. I don't worry about the IMS...my car owes me nothing.