Antifreeze

[jamie N]

Going back to the original problem, would it be acceptable to use the cheapest supermarket Vodka? Serious question, as it won't solidify with any UK temperature, and is completely harmless once drained to a real environment where we are, with immediate dilution, and won't be any more expensive?

 

[thinwater]

Vodka is kind of corrosive, even more so if if is diluted with water and ferments. It will be more expensive at the required minimum concentration (about 25% ethanol to prevent fermentation--this is true of PG, EG, and glycerine).

Ethanol can be rough on hoses. It stiffens neoprene impellors and vinyl. PG is also bad for neoprene impellors and is probably the leading cause of early failure. Google chemical compatibility.

There are many cheap ethanol based AF products on the market.

The same as EG, PG, and glycerine, there is COD and BOD in the water.

Sorry. No free lunch. There are reasons that virtually all vehicals come with EG and it is NOT cost or anti-environment bias. Nothing else works as well, at any price.

 

[Beneteau381]

Vodka is kind of corrosive, even more so if if is diluted with water and ferments. It will be more expensive at the required minimum concentration (about 25% ethanol to prevent fermentation--this is true of PG, EG, and glycerine).

Ethanol can be rough on hoses. It stiffens neoprene impellors and vinyl. PG is also bad for neoprene impellors and is probably the leading cause of early failure. Google chemical compatibility.

There are many cheap ethanol based AF products on the market.

The same as EG, PG, and glycerine, there is COD and BOD in the water.

Sorry. No free lunch. There are reasons that virtually all vehicals come with EG and it is NOT cost or anti-environment bias. Nothing else works as well, at any price.

I put ordinary antifreeze through my system in the "winter" for the inhibitors that prevent corrosion, not the antifreeze effect, the Algarve is not known for its freezing!