I am getting ready to flush the radiator on my Magnum and I have a question on antifreeze. I bought a jug of Havoline Extended Life antifreeze and it says it is silicate/phosphate free. It does not specifically say that it is safe for aluminum radiators. Does anyone know if this product is safe for aluminum radiators and is there any other antifreeze products (besides regular motorcycle antifreeze) that is listed as being safe for aluminum radiators?

 

Since the majority of cars produced today have aluminum radiators,ALL anti-freeze is safe for them.

 

Aluminum has been used for automotive radiators for the last 10 years...

 

Silacte free is recommended by most motorcycle manufacturers. I don't know if anyone here is familiar with the leaking water pump seals on the Gold Wing Honda bikes. Seems they traced it to the silicates in the antifreeze. It made it abrasive somehow to the water pump seal. Once they made sure everyone knew to use silicate-free antifreeze, the seal leaking problem went away. I don't know whether or not Polaris seals are compatible with silicates, but I personally will spend the few extra bucks to not have to find out the hard way.

 

Before I posted this thread, I also emailed Havoline about the same questions. Here is there response:

"Havoline Dex-Cool provides effective, long term corrosion protection for
aluminum, brass, cast iron, steel, solder and copper. It is safe for use in
aluminum radiators. It is also safe for ATV and motorcycle cooling systems.

To view our product data sheet go to the following website and click PRODUCT
CATALOG>LUBRICANTS BY PRODUCT NAME>HAVOLINE DEX-COOL EXTENDED LIFE
ANTIFREEZE COOLANT

http://www.texaco.com/products/index.html

Thank you for your interest in Texaco products.

Richard Moore
Staff Engineer
Equilon Enterprises LLC
Lubricants - Technical Information Center
1-800-782-7852, Option 3"


I guess I will be using the extended life antifreeze. This stuff isn't the cheapest stuff in the world, $8 per gallon, but still cheaper than the Polaris stuff.