Mixing green and orange antifreeze
07-05-2001, 10:37 AM
#1
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Mixing green and orange antifreeze
I was reading a prior post re: antifreeze and a lister warned of mixing green and orange antifreeze. I recently had my waterpump changed and the foreign service mechanic used green antifreeze. I noticed that the levels had dropped a little (I assumed it burped) and purchased some Havoline phosphate-free antifreeze, which is orange, to top it off .
Should I have not mixed the two, even if they are both phosphate free?
Jeremy
1983 944
Guards Red
Should I have not mixed the two, even if they are both phosphate free?
Jeremy
1983 944
Guards Red
07-05-2001, 11:16 AM
#2
Nordschleife Master
You are probably just fine, certainly better than no coolant in the engine. 
The problem is if the additive packages are going to react to each other in a less than great way. So to be safe and **** about it, you would want to use the same formula antifreeze in your engine. And since it is unlikely you have the data sheets or a chemistry degree to understand them, you are stuck with using the same manufacturer.
If I were you I would change out the antifreeze to a common and widespread phosphate and silicone free brand and never look back. I would add that you should flush it every couple years even though they claim it is good for 5 or more years.
The problem is if the additive packages are going to react to each other in a less than great way. So to be safe and **** about it, you would want to use the same formula antifreeze in your engine. And since it is unlikely you have the data sheets or a chemistry degree to understand them, you are stuck with using the same manufacturer.If I were you I would change out the antifreeze to a common and widespread phosphate and silicone free brand and never look back. I would add that you should flush it every couple years even though they claim it is good for 5 or more years.
07-05-2001, 03:45 PM
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Don't take any chances mixing diferrent antifreezes. Even some green antifreeze that does not list phosphate among it's ingredients sometimes has some.
Play it safe and go to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership and buy of gallon of their antifreeze. It is phosphate-free and and has a golden transparent color and is acknowledged to be good stuff to put in your car. At about $15 - $20 a gallon it is not cheap but well worth it for the peace of mind it gives you. No worring about phosphate in you antifreeze eating a hole in your engine block!
Play it safe and go to the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership and buy of gallon of their antifreeze. It is phosphate-free and and has a golden transparent color and is acknowledged to be good stuff to put in your car. At about $15 - $20 a gallon it is not cheap but well worth it for the peace of mind it gives you. No worring about phosphate in you antifreeze eating a hole in your engine block!
