Are you guys running an open type system with the overflow tube either going to the ground or to a catch can or are you running a closed system with a recovery tank like more modern cars?
I am trying to determine if the Zerex G05 can be run either way without any problems or if it needs to be run with a closed system only. I read alot of articles stating that the GM Dexcool should only be run in a closed system because it doesn't like air, just wondering if the G05 is the same way or if it is more like the old green stuff that could be run either way without any issues. thanks for the help

Sean, I don't know about you, but I am running an aluminum radiator and I have had some very BAD outcomes with Dexcool and aluminum systems. I tried both Zerex and Prestone Dexcool and after just a few weeks, the inside of my radiator started to look like it was beginning to gum up. It looked bad. I have since drained as much coolant as I could by pulling the plugs just over the oil pan rails on each side to drain the block and radiator and switched back to plain Prestone part #AF-2000. I have had no further issues. The car never goes above 200(electric fan turn on)in 90+* weather sitting in traffic. Just a thought.

Charlie, thanks for the reply. I do have an aluminum radiator and other engine parts. So you have not had any issues with your aluminum parts running the old green stuff?

I don't plan on putting Dexcool in my car, I was just stating that I have read about the many issues with Dexcool and mixing with air and was wondering if Zerex G05 is just as "picky" for the system it runs in or if it can be run in either an open or closed sytem. I do believe they are different chemistries, Dexcool being an OAT and G05 being a HOAT, but I don't have any real world experience with G05 and wanted to hear from others that have or are using it. I have read alot of good reviews on the Zerex G05 with its low silicate formula and its compatibility with all metals including aluminum and how alot of car manfacturers are switching to it. My car currently is a so-called open system with the overflow tube running to the ground, so i am trying to determine if G05 is picky on what type of cooling system it is run in like dexcool, which then I would have to add a recovery system to my car or can it be run in either and open or closed system with the same performance. Don't want to start to see guming or sludge in my system like you did. thanks

There's no problem running the Zerex GO-5 (HOAT) formula in an open system; that's only an issue with the Dexcool formula (Dexcool also leaches lead out of soldered joints and weakens them, so you DON'T want to use it in a car with copper/brass radiators and heater cores anyway). :thumbsup:

thanks for the reply John.

Do you run G05 and is it on an open system?

If this is the case then that saves me the trouble of adding a recovery tank(I have no where to really hide one). I will probably just add a catch can for the overflow tube and be done with it. Just wanted to make sure that the G05 can be run on old style coolant systems like the green stuff without any issues like sludge etc..

thanks again

Sean, I run a closed system and right now I use a bottle from PepBoys. It's small enough that I can hide it in my fender just beside the battery. Unless you are looking for it, you can't even see it. I would just stick with the green Prestone part #AF-2000 and make absolute sure you ONLY use distilled water.

Whoa on the distilled. I thought this was the way to go but have seen research that with distilled the water absorbs free ions and corrodes aluminum if not mixed with a quality additive. Anyone else seen this. I used distilled before i saw the article but i also use aditives. Chime in.

Thanks for the replies.

I did see those recovery bottles at Pepboys too, that is definitely the route I would go if I need to convert to a closed system, but if G05 is fine with my current open system, I will probably just make a catch can for the overflow tube for now. Charlie, how did you mount this recovery bottle to the inside fender? Did you use the wire cage it comes with? Is it bolted to the fender lip?

scblucam, what is the additive you add to your coolant for the aluminum corrosion? What coolant do you run with this additive? thanks

Scott, I have always used distilled water in all types of coolant systems. Hopefully someone else will chime in here, but as long as you use a quality antifreeze and change it regularly(not evey 6-8years)then the additives are already in the antifreeze. The additives are for people who don't like to change their coolant regularly, Over time the additives that keep electrolysis from occurring diminish and need to be replenished. Either by changing the coolant(best way)or by adding an additive(ok, but not recommended).

I use the regular "green stuff" and distilled water in my toys, and change it every 2-3 years to keep the corrosion inhibitor package fresh; next change cycle I'll probably use GO-5. The good old "green stuff" is getting hard to find now that no OEM uses it in production any more.

:beers: