Mercruiser antifreeze

[AndyL]

G'day everyone.<br />My colleague has just bought a boat with a V8 7.3L 275HP mercruiser diesel power plant, Ser No 0F060003. He has had some problems with the cooling system and is on the verge of refilling the cooling system to test for any more problems. The question is really one of price.. To refill with Quicksilver antifreeze is going to cost about £130 which is $200+ and it may have to be drained off again. Is there any thoughts on using a non Quicksilver Antifreeze that is equivalent properties to the hugely expensive Quicksilver stuff. Shell and Exxon have both got Antifreezes that they say are suitable for aluminium / Cast iron units.<br />Many thanks in advance for any input.<br />Andy

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

I am personally unaware of anything Special about Merc's stuff. But that name on the label must be worth a Bunch!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

For Diagnosis purposes,....<br />I'd fill it with Water, Til I knew what was going on,.....<br /><br />After the Repairs, Fill it with a Quality Antifreeze.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

For Diagnosis purposes,....<br />I'd fill it with Water, Til I knew what was going on,.....

Personally, I would use air. Easier to find a leak with some soapy water (Bubbles) or pressure drop, and easier to replace when it all checks out ok and you are ready for antifreeze.

 

[trog100]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

£130.. yes.. well.. hmmm.. <br /><br />there aint nothing special about merc antifreeze only the price.. no point in putting antifreez of any kind in till u sort the possible problems its just a waste of money..<br /><br />anti corrsion stuff is a long term thing.. short term water is perfectly okay..<br /><br />trog100

 

[AndyL]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

Thanks to all that have given their input. I must admit your thoughts are the same as mine as there is nothing really unusual about the motor that requires an antifreeze costing that much.<br /><br />Good sailing to you all.<br /><br />Andy

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Mercruiser antifreeze

On most ford diesel trucks(which use the same engine), it is recommended to keep track of the SCA levels in the antifreeze. Apparently diesel engines have more problems with cavitation erosion and the SCA additive prevents this.Some coolants come with the additive and others you must add the additive to.They make test strips to check the concentration.If you have an International/Navistar dealer near you they can probably give you more help. In edit: Read this page, it is very interesting. <br /> http://www.shopdiesel.com/index.cfm/action/coolantfaq.htm