replace engine coolant

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

The bill you cited specifies denatonium benzoate. I have some
methanol based windshield washer fluid that contains the stuff
(trademarked Bitrex).

All the info I've seen on ethylene glycol indicates that the
toxic effects are the same as alcohol poisoning. Data seems
to indicate that it's less toxic than ethanol, which I consume
(in moderation of course). However - there is lead and copper
in used coolant, which can't be all that healthy.

I think the bio-chemical route it takes shares some chemistry with booze
metabolism - but from what I recall reading, ingestion of a major amount
of booze may actually be a treatment for anti-freeze poisoning! I think
the main problem with anti-freeze is that the end product is an
insoluble oxalate that drastically reduces kidney function and the booze
metabolism 'intercepts' the oxalate-making chemical path.

I once emailed the russian manufacturer of the 'anti-alcohol' pill they
used to supply to the KGB suggesting it might also be a treatment for
anti-freeze poisoning as it interrupts the same bio-chem path.

I dunno

Carl

 

[Sheldon]

Make sure that the person doing the coolant change is thoroughly
familiar with the procedure for the WRX as there is some technique
involved in bleeding air from the system. In addition be sure to add the
OEM cooling system conditioner.

What the heck is OEM cooling system conditioner. I thought most good
coolants already have conditioners in them. What does a Subie need that
other cars don't, and why?

 

[Bob H]

What the heck is OEM cooling system conditioner. I thought most good
coolants already have conditioners in them. What does a Subie need that
other cars don't, and why?

It's a 'leakstop' to ward off evil manufacturing defects....

 

[Edward Hayes]

Many vehicle manufactures put it in at the factory and advise strongly
to replace it whenever the antifreeze is replaced. Subaru started
advising us to do it to reduce the possibility of weepage. Go to
www.nasoc.com and look for the TSB on this. The conditioner is just to
prevent the possibility of coolant weepage.

 

[Dan Huber]

Figures...

<snip>

Yeah. I'm also a bulletphobe.