How corrosive is coolant?

Submitted: Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:45

ThreadID: 51212 Views:18820 Replies:5 FollowUps:3

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Member - Matt M (ACT)

Evening all,

I noticed this evening that I had what appeared to be coolant dripping off my rear mud flap. Had me confused for a few moments until I realised that a spare bottle that I keep in the rear quarter panel compartment had split (been there a while). I have wiped it out as best I can, but the question is will it damage paint or metal. I'm guessing it is not that bad given it circulates around the engine, but should I be worried?

I suppose I should just stop being lazy and hose it out.

Matt.

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Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:47

Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:47

Brake fluid is the BAD one......coolant shouldn't cause any dramas I wouldn't have thought......

Cheers

Roachie

AnswerID: 269797

Reply By: Member - Duncs - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:56

Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:56

If the coolant is an ethylene glycol coolant my wife, who is a chemist, assures me that it will be somewhat corrosive.

It might not be much but I'd put the garden hose in there for a while just to be sure.

If your Irish you could do it twice. T'be sure, t'be sure.

Duncs

AnswerID: 269798

Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Saturday, Nov 03, 2007 at 02:33

Saturday, Nov 03, 2007 at 02:33

Gees the wife is a chemist,, thats cool, just don't let Ben Cousins around.. lol

FollowupID: 532711

Reply By: Louie the fly - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:56

Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:56

If it is just Ethylene Glycol wash it off with warm soapy water, particularly if it's concentrate. 100ml of 100% concentrate will kill you so it cant be that good for your paint. You probably already done this though so should be OK. You can get a MSDS off the web that will tell you what to do in the event of a spill.

AnswerID: 269800

Reply By: Member - Matt M (ACT) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 22:02

Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 22:02

Cheers Guys. I'll give it a hose tomorrow.

Matt.

AnswerID: 269801

Follow Up By: Bushtrek - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 22:16

Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 22:16

Anti Freeze formulated with Ethylene Glycol is not corrosive in the sense that it will initiate corrosion of metals, as well it contains corrosion inhibitors for iron and non-ferrous metals eg copper, brass, zinc.
What is does do when spilled into crevices is that unless it is completely removed it will oxidise over time and absorb moisture from the atmosphere. The oxidation/decomposition products can promote corrosion between adjoining metal surfaces.
After you gently hose it out spray the cavity and crevices where it has been with Lanotec or similar corrosion inhibitor. That will displace any residual moisture and coat the surface effectively against corrosion.

FollowupID: 532677