BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MACS COOLANT PANEL
Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide 23rd Annual Convention and Trade Show Reality Check 2003 Hosts First Ever Coolant Symposium (LANSDALE, PA)-February 4, 2003- The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide held its 23rd annual convention and trade show, Reality Check 2003 at the Marriott New Orleans, January 30-February 1, 2003. One of the highlights of the convention program was MACS' first ever coolant symposium held on Saturday, February 1, 2003 from 10:15AM-Noon. The results of the symposium indicate that consumers may be neglecting proper maintenance of their engine cooling systems resulting in the same kinds of system problems as result from not checking their engine oil and tire pressure. The distinguished panel of experts participating in the MACS coolant symposium included: Mike Cohen, Technical Curriculum Developer of Volkswagen, Jay Dankovich, Brand Quality Manager for V8 engines at General Motors Service Operations, Ed Eaton, Sr., president and COO of Amalgatech, Reno Farrugia, Climate Control Quality Assurance Service Engineer of Visteon Climate Control Systems, Dr. Paul Fritz, Senior Group Leader of Chevron/Texaco representing Havoline, Dr. Aleksei Gershun, Senior Research Scientist in the Coolant Research & Development Group for Honeywell representing Prestone, Paul Higgins, International Service Manager of Delphi Harrison Thermal Products, Robert Sigler, Director of Aftermarket Product Engineering of TransPro, Gary Spires Field Service Engineer of Fleetguard, a Division of Cummins Engine, and Dr. Dave Turcotte of Valvoline, Product Director of Zerex. Paul DeGuiseppi, MACS Manager of Service Training and Ward Atkinson, MACS Technical Advisor and chair of SAE's Interior Climate Control Standards Committee moderated the panel. Many questions concerning the use of coolant and the misinformation surrounding coolant system management were posed and the panel reached consensus on several topics including: * Total coolant/cooling system management is an issue that should be of concern to both consumers and service technicians. * Coolant system maintenance and change intervals are not being adhered to resulting in major problems for today's automotive engine cooling systems. * Chemical stability of the engine coolant is extremely important to prevent its breakdown. * Engine cooling systems that contain air, from either the lack of /improper bleeding procedures/ not maintaining proper fill levels; incorrect coolant mixture; core sand and other loose material being circulated in the coolant; each of these or a combination of them can lead to a leaking heater core. These types of problems are generally the result of erosion and/or corrosion and are often mistakenly thought to be caused by electrolysis. While electrolysis can be the cause of heater core failures, actual cases are rare, contrary to recent popular conjecture. Improper grounding of aftermarket electrical equipment, such as sound systems, may result in cooling system component failures due to electrolysis. * Today there are different coolant families and it is generally recommended that they not be mixed. For best results, when adding new antifreeze/coolant to the cooling system, a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water should be used. A refractometer is the best tool to use for in-shop coolant testing. * Most OEM vehicle manufacturers do not approve of the use of recycled coolant in their vehicles. Currently, there are no existing machines or processes certified to meet the ASTM purity requirements for on-site recycled engine coolants for use in typical auto repair shops. "Coolant system management should be a regular part of every engine cooling system service procedure and maintenance activity," remarked Ward Atkinson, MACS Technical Consultant. "We began the discussion on proper coolant management in this panel discussion and we hope to keep the dialogue going in the industry to promote proper Total Coolant System management procedures in every professional repair shop." Founded in 1981, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide is the leading forum for its specialized segment of the automotive aftermarket. MACS Worldwide' goal is to fill the industry's need for comprehensive technical information, training, and communication. MACS Worldwide represents 1600 members, including service shops, installers, distributors, component suppliers, and manufacturers in the United States, Canada and over 40 countries around the world. -30- Marion J. Posen Vice President/Sales and Marketing Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide 225 South Broad St. (P.O. Box 88) Lansdale, PA 19446 215-631-7020 ext. 304 FAX 215-631-7017 You are receiving this message because MACS believes you will benefit from this information. You are not receiving this message because you are subscribed to an electronic list. If you have any input about mailings of this type please email our Membership information address at membership@macsw.org.Thank You.