Hi,

I was told by local MB mechs in my country (the Philippines) that using 50/50 MB coolant/water mix corrodes the water (coolant) channels in the head - making them larger and thus requiring a trip to the welding shop where it will be "resized" back to normal. For this reason, the local mechs are saying that it's better to use water than coolant.

Is this true? Has anyone actually needed a water channel repair in the head/block due to corrosion? They're quite positive it is not the well-known headgasket problem.

I'm guessing that the local mechs use regular tap water (very hard water here) when creating the 50/50 mix. I for one am leaning towards using distilled water and Redline's Water Wetter (ph8.6) only.

Any thoughts on this possible "urban benz legend"?

Thanks

 

in our country you cannot apply the 50/50 ratio. i have the feeling also that this can create corrosion, but it there's no proof to it.

 

You should use a coolant/water mix. If MB coolant causes corrosion at 50/50, then change the ratio or use something else. The coolant helps keep the water from boiling and also lubricates the water pump. Water Wetter helps prevent boiling, but water also freezes in certain parts of the world. Water Wetter won't prevent freezing and it doesn't lubricate. I know it doesn't snow in the Philippines, but the Philippines isn't the whole world. Besides, coolant also prevents overheating.