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Winterization- Use of Winshield washer fluid

6649 Views 4 Replies 5 Participants Last post by xsboats, Oct 14, 2009

TSOJOURNER

Discussion Starter · Oct 14, 2009

Winterization, I am considering using windshield washer fluid (antifreeze) in my raw water systems vs the expensive and hard to obtain proprolyene based non-toxic antifreeze that is designed for potable water systems. I am in Poland & am having difficulty finding the Proprolyene stuff while windshield washer antifreeze is readily available (Methenol Based)

Any experiance, advice or cautions would be appreciated.

SV Bright Ayes

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mitiempo

· #2 · Oct 14, 2009

Windshield washer fluid is soap that has additives so it doesn't freeze. I believe it is poisonous so I wouldn't recommend it. Drain your system as much as you can and leave the taps open if you can't find the stuff designed for water systems.
Brian

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christyleigh

· #3 · Oct 14, 2009

Bright Ayes,
Unlike Brian I assume your reference to "raw water" systems is the same as the USA meaning a raw water cooled engine/exhaust. If you also meant your potable drinking water I would agree with Brian and say no. Just use cheap Vodka for that.
As for your raw water cooled engine for me it would be a simple choice between ruining your exhaust system and maybe your engine or possibly killing a few small sea critters - easy choice. The town or factory up the road is probably putting more crap than that in the water every minute

Windshield wiper stuff may not be the best but it will probably work. I've had my washers freeze up at below zero but not burst and work fine when warmed up a bit.

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pdqaltair

· #4 · Oct 14, 2009

Just use regualr automotive AF

BrightAyes said:
Winterization, I am considering using windshield washer fluid (antifreeze) in my raw water systems vs the expensive and hard to obtain proprolyene based non-toxic antifreeze that is designed for potable water systems. I am in Poland & am having difficulty finding the Proprolyene stuff while windshield washer antifreeze is readily available (Methenol Based)

Any experiance, advice or cautions would be appreciated.

SV Bright Ayes

a. Regular auto AF is no more poisonous to fish that PG. Look up some MSDS sheets on the net to verify this. Remember, what is poisonous to people and what is poisonous to fish is very different.

b. Regular auto AF has NO PLACE in your drinking water systems. This is why most people recomend PG, since people can make mistakes. Make sure you do not. Yes, it is poison.

c. Both are equally biodegradable. Bugs dont know the difference.

d. DO NOT use windshield deicer. It is methanol or ethanol (less often) and can be very harmful to seals. It can also be flamable, depending on the consetration. Do not use it anywhere on the boat. It is also poisonous.

e. The spent used AF is recyclable at the marina or any gas station. EG or PG, but NOT the alchol types.

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xsboats

· #5 · Oct 14, 2009

Back when I wintered in the frozen north, I used cheap vodka to winterize my water tanks. The only downside was that spring commissioning took twice as long and required mixers and ice.

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