Is pink pink?

Audrey II

Audrey II

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Previous years when getting ready to winterize my boat I would go to West Marine or another marine store and buy the cheapest pink I could find, this year everyone is telling my not to use the cheap stuff in the motors. Has something changed? Are they now using a different ingredient that is not safe for the motors? This year I went to Walmart and they had Pink for $2.67 a gallon so I bought all I needed then I was told not to use it in the motors so I bought even more for a local store just to do the motors and Genny. The first ingredient in the cheaper stuff is ethanol I know this tends to strip clean fuel tanks I would think this would be good for coolant systems. Please explain thank you.
 
If you are going to blow it out into the water ways on startup in the spring, you should use pure propylene glycol. Other stuff and especially ethylene glycol is extremely toxic to fish and wild life, as well as yourself.
 
The more expensive stuff contains corrosion inhibitors, which is why it's touted for engines. They both contain propylene glycol. The cheap stuff I bought at WalMart also has ethyl alcohol in it. The expensive one from West doesn't list that as an ingredient. If all you want is freeze protection in the motors, the cheap stuff won't harm anything.

I do use the $4.99 West AF in the motors, but I don't need much. I rely primarily on draining the manifolds and blocks to keep them from freezing.

My .02
 
I saw a guy yesterday in our club using the pink for the motors and I'm sure he will be ok. I use the pink for the house water systems and the air conditioners. I step up to the $8 gallon green or purple -100 for the 3 engines. As JoLin states it does have additives. We hit -30 last winter so I don't feel bad about using the more expensive stuff.

Niles
 
I bought at Walmart Prestone pink -50. Says right on bottle it is safe for diesel and gas motors winterization and not safe to use for a cooling a running motor. Ingredients listed is propylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors. It's cheaper than worst Marine by $1 a gallon.

Walmart also sells a cheaper version of pink and that one is no good. The Ethyl or ethanol based products bad for environment and bad for rubber gaskets.
 
The "pink" from Walmart has alcohol on which is not a rust protector great for water systems. The "pink" from west marine has 30% glycol and rust protection. But west marine sells the other too you MUST read the labels.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatcomfort

The "pink" from Walmart has alcohol on which is not a rust protector great for water systems. The "pink" from west marine has 30% glycol and rust protection. But west marine sells the other too you MUST read the labels.

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You need to clarify your Walmart comment. They sell two types of pink. One for water and one for motors. The Prestone brand has no alcohol and says that.
 
It depends what the fluid will come into contact with as Propylene glycol can and will affect many rubber seals, duck bills "O" rings and the like.
 
It's not worth trying to save a few bucks, if it results in having to spend tens of thousands on a new motor.
 
I have to stop reading. Every time I do it costs me more money. For 30 years I used pink stuff for engines and water systems and never read a label and never had an issue. Now I'm more confused then ever. I bought 4 cases at Walmart which contains Ethyl Alcohol (64-17-5) and PP Glycol (57-55-6). Is this not good for any use? Not sure what the number designations represent but do not specify percentages unless they are in those numbers. BTW, I need 24 gallons just for engines and genny. I usually blow out water lines but do dump down pink into the vacu-flush heads.
 
quote:
Originally posted by smitty477

It depends what the fluid will come into contact with as Propylene glycol can and will affect many rubber seals, duck bills "O" rings and the like.

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Smitty, they ALL contain propylene glycol.
 
I buy mine at my marina, it is the same stuff that they use. It costs a bit more, but I sleep better in the middle of winter when it's freezing cold out.
 
You can just google for the differences in the antifreeze if you like....

http://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/-11059-1.html

Summarize -

Propylene glycol : is non-toxic and is used for potable systems but, can harm components in freshwater and wastewater plumbing. Drain the water tank and circulate propylene glycol only through the plumbing to ensure all low spots have been purged of water, then leave propylene glycol in plumbing through the winter. You should avoid adding glycol to the water tank or hot-water tank, as the glycol can attract biological growth. Never use in engines as it can lead to pitting of the metal cooling jackets.

Ethylene glycol :is highly toxic to humans and is not a safe choice for potable systems. This is used in the engines and genset. Less harmful to certain plastic, rubber and nylon components in engine plumbing lines.

Ethyl alcohol: It is very toxic. Do not use in potable water systems. It can damage PVC plumbing and sanitation hoses lose their ability to prevent odors. Look for products with no ethyl alcohol.

Hope this helps
 
This is where part of my confusion lies. Mine contains ethyl alcohol and in big letters says "safe for potable water systems"
 
One of the reasons I do not put any antifreeze in the potable water is that it can be harmful, leaves tastes, and it does promote growth.
For anyone that does not think that stuff grows in this 'stuff' just pour some into an old container and poke a few holes in the top of the container and leave in your garage over the winter - it will be all black by summer time.

Just made the trip to RYB two days ago and used the standard method of pulling all the water out with a shop vac before we left.
This has served us well these past 20+ years now without a problem.

I only use the 'pink' now minimally in the heads, washer , and some in the seacocks.
Each boat is different so if you choose to take (vac or blow)all the water out of the systems please know your boat and all the "hiding" spots.

Hope this helps

Hope this helps
 
I only use pink in waste tank and motors. Propylene glycol is the stuff to use in motors. That is the same stuff west marine sells. I blow out the freshwater system with air.

If your using anything other that propylene glycol in motors you are taking a risk.
 
I've been using pink AF for 20 years. The kind that clearly says "RV Antifreeze" for water systems. I only use it in my water systems. I don't use it in my engine because it was not made for engines. As far as it promoting growth...in the spring when I purge my water system, the pink AF comes out pink, not black with growth.
This is not rocket science....read the labels and use accordingly.
 
quote:
Originally posted by cwms

I've been using pink AF for 20 years. The kind that clearly says "RV Antifreeze" for water systems. I only use it in my water systems. I don't use it in my engine because it was not made for engines. As far as it promoting growth...in the spring when I purge my water system, the pink AF comes out pink, not black with growth.
This is not rocket science....read the labels and use accordingly.

Click to expand...


Good summation. That's the way I see it, too. I'll just add that the last step in my purge of the water system, is to bleach it before I finally fill the tank for use.
 
quote:

Ethyl alcohol: It is very toxic. Do not use in potable water systems.

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Ethyl Alcohol = Ethanol = Grain Alcohol = Moonshine

Ethyl Alcohol + Hawaiian Punch + College = FUN
 
"Ethyl Alcohol = Ethanol = Grain Alcohol = Moonshine
Ethyl Alcohol + Hawaiian Punch + College = FUN"

Interesting - please share with us which brand and type you purchase and what it costs?

Thank you
 
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