VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 ANTIFREEZE

MY 28 COUPE LEAKS A LITTLE FROM THE WATER PUMP.
I HAVE A DOG THAT SOMETIMES IS IN THE GARAGE. WHAT I AM WONDERING ABOUT, IS THE NEW ANTIFREEZE THAT IS SAFE FOR ANIMALS SAFE TO PUT IN THE OLD CHEVY. ANY THOUGHTS?

Hi huffneff,

If it is good enough for the dog it is good enough for the Coupe.

Now that the touring season is winding down would be a good time to repair the water pump.

If the packing nut is near the end of it's travel you may be able to back the nut completely off and add some more packing. I would recommend you purchase some of the plumbers Teflon string packing and add as much as possible and still be able to restart the packing nut.

If that solution doesn't work I would consider rebuilding/having it rebuilt. Kits are available and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to install the kit. If you don't want to tackle the problem then there are several sources that will rebuild your pump for you.

It is not good to have the pump leak for several reasons. Obviously, it will leak out all your fluids, but it will also allow air to enter the system which contributes to overheating.

THNKS FOR THE HELP. SEEMS LIKE PLENTY OF THREAD LEFT ON PACKING NUT. IT MAY BE THAT I AN JUST TOO AFRAID OF TIGHTNING THE NUT TOO TIGHT.

Huffneff

That's the only kind I put into my old cars.

I don't think I would like to have my dog lick up ANY Anti-freeze, he may become an antifreezeoholic!

Bow Wow............burp!! :eek: :eek:

FYI,
If you suspect ethylene glycol (EG) antifreeze poisoning there is an antidote. Before I tell you what it is, I want the doggie to be sitting. So, SIT, SIT, I said SIT! Ok now that the dog is finally sitting even though his tail is still wagging, I will tell you. Well maybe I should tell you why ethylene glycol is not to be injested (drunk, drinked, eaten). It is metabolized to oxalic acid. Oxalic acid forms very sharp pointed crystals particularly in the kidneys, liver and sometimes in the brain. These crystals proceed to incise (cut for you non-medical people) the tissue nearby. So with a lethal dose, the animal dies in 3-7 days, an unpleasant demise. Bad News.

Now for the good news if there is any. The antidote for Ethylene Glycol poisoning is Ethyl Alcohol (do I need to tell anyone what that is?). It is preferentially (goes first for you small word people) metabolized allowing the liver and kidneys to remove the unmatabolized ethylene glycol from the blood. So if you suspect that you or your favorate pooch or pet has injested (drink or eat) ethylene glycol antifreeze KEEP THEM DRUNK for at least 24 hours. So there is a medical benefit to Colorado Cool-Aid. If you can get your spouse to believe this I don't want to buy a used car from you!

Oh yes, for you that use Propylene Glycol based antifreeze, Sierra, and others. It is metabolized to benign (non-hazardous) compounds. In fact PG is in more foods than you would imagine. The problem is it is more expensive than EG and additives that provide corrosion protection and water pump lubrication are much less soluable so getting the equivalent protection for the cooling system compared to EG coolants is difficult if not possible.

I can give other information from my 31 years in the Chemical business if anyone is interested. Just thought you might want to know a little practical chemistry.

POOOR Kathy!!!!!

Cool! So then, apparently the more Coors the old mutt drinks (daily I might add) then the chances of getting Antifreeze poisoning are almost nil. Hey, thanks for the idea Chipper Dipper Doodle.........that works for me!

I knew that I was going to contribute to the delinquency of a major with the explanation but thought it might be worth it for the rest of you. Some will look for any excuse to do what they want to do anyway.

Mackie,
Cathy is used to me by now. She just shrugs her shoulders and smiles.

"Some will look for any excuse to do what they want to do anyway." Bow Wow to that!

I know, and I apologize for misspelin' her name or nickname?

I have been takeing a touch of Coors Light daily for pre-emtive measures against any chance of a Ethylenne glycol problem here in the Poverty Sinks addition of Comanche County....

Would Colorado Koolaid perhaps also prevent Jake leg or other problems from accidentially consumeing Bay Rum or DOT 3? I just had to ask.....