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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Hello All,

For several years now I've been using Advance Auto Parts Antifreeze/coolant instead of Volvo coolant due to the significant difference in price. According to the label on Advance Antifreeze/coolant, it "is compatable, formulated and recommended for use with ANY antifreeze/coolant in ANY make or model of car or light duty truck." and the label also says "...Advance Auto Parts Antifreeze/Coolant may be added to the antifreeze/coolant of ANY foreign or domestic make or model automobile duty truck on the road."

It doesn't specifically say safe to use with alumnium engines, but does contain ethylene glycol (107-21-1), diethylene glygol (111-46-6), sodium 2-ethyl hexanoate (19766-89-3) and sodium neodecanoate (31548-27-3).

A container of Volvo coolant I saved indicates on the label that it too contains ethlene glycol and Diethylene Glycol along with other chemicals that are not listed on the Advance Auto Parts coolant.

For several years I've run my two '96 850s and '99 XC with Advance Auto Parts Anti-Freeze/Coolant which I change every fall, so the cooling system is flushed once a year. I haven't had any problems with any of the cars. However, a few days ago, the '99 XC developed a leak in the head gasket with only 94,000 miles on the odemeter. The two 850s have 270K and 200K respectively with no cooling problems or no head gasket problems (knock on wood). The '99 XC has never overheated and again the coolant is flushed every year as are the two 850s.

I'm concerned now that possibly the head gasket developed a leak because I wasn't using Volvo coolant. It is a big ticket repair (approx. $1,800) I'd like to hear the opinions and experience of others as to whether the failure to use Volvo coolant may have caused the head gasket to develop a leak. It could be just a fluke. As an aside, my independent Volvo mechanic mentioned he had another XC in his shop that was a year or two newer than mine, with far less miles that developed the same problem. He didn't recall if it was the same cylinder as my XC. Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Sorry to hear about this...hard to beleive the guy wants 1800.00 for a new head gasket. I would call around on that one.....

I doubt the anti-freeze ate your gaskets....probably some guy on the assembly line had a few too many shots of Vodka at the bar before work and forgot to use the torque and angle wrench on the head bolts.....Good info on the Zerex though.

I think Vovlo should install special seals on the head bolts so you know they were checked or not tampered with...








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Gwen,

Thanks. I glad to hear your advice that I didn't shoot myself in the foot by using an after market anti-freeze. The idea of trying to save a few dollars and in turn incurring a huge mechanical repair bill would be maddening.

Hugh








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

The Volvo manual calls for a "Phosphate Free" coolant. In North America I don't think it makes any difference as the phosphate free part is to avoid interactions with weird minerals in some European tap water that eat the aluminum radiator. That said, I buy Zerex G05 for my Volvos and the Porsche. It is the only coolant that states it is "Phosphate Free" on the label.

The only place I can find the Zerex G05 in my area is at NAPA and I think the last time I bought it it ran about $12.00 or $13.00 per gallon (Full strength).

...Lee








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Lee,

Thank you for your response. I'll make a note of the Zerex coolant and look for it next fall. I do have a NAPA store nearby.

Hugh








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

I think it's worth it to bite the bullet and use the Volvo coolant. It doesn't seem to cost all that much in the grand scheme of things, especially considering what it does. And, you mix it 50/50, so it's just one jug every few years.
Here's a thread to consider http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/lofiversion/index.php/t38078.html
--
'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Lilhelphere,

Thanks. I think I might look for Zerex was suggested to me by Lee, or as you suggested, go back to Volvo's coolant. I was told my by independent mechanic there are ony 3 manufacturers of coolant in the U.S. who supply every manufacturer with coolant. Of course, everyone may have their own special "recipe" to justify their higher prices.

Hugh








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Advance antifreeze/coolant - is it safe to use? 850 1996

Lilhelphere,

Thanks. I think I might look for Zerex was suggested to me by Lee, or as you suggested, go back to Volvo's coolant. I was told my by independent mechanic there are ony 3 manufacturers of coolant in the U.S. who supply every manufacturer with coolant. Of course, everyone may have their own special "recipe" to justify their higher prices.

Hugh







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