What kind of antifreeze/coolant?

[hiltow]

The latest (December '12) issue of Practical Classics magazine contains a letter from a chap who has just recently bought a 1963 Jaguar that has recently been recommissioned and has been filled with red OAT antifreeze. In it, he queries whether this red coolant is the right one for his car. The magazine's technical expert responds as follows:

'The red, pink and orange antifreezes are all capable of damaging gaskets and rubber seals in older car engines (pretty much anything pre-1995, in fact). It may be a hassle to drain out the antifreeze and refil with the blue atifreeze, but it will help keep your engine leak-free and could save you a fortune'

So, there's another testimonial. And, before anyone starts pointing out that a Scirocco's engine material make-up is somehow light-years more advanced than a 1963 Jag in terms of resistance to this stuff, well, it isn't.

Now, who's going to try one of these new waterless coolants......

[Nate]

must admit i've long time wondered why they use water based coolants. given what happens when steel or iron (like an engine block) is left in contact with it for prolonged periods. surely oil would be a better coolant, as it would inhibit rust and have a better heat transfer. that said, i don't fancy being the one who tries it