RV antifreeze in flood coolant

[derbuechsenmacher]

I have 2 shop buildings, one is heated all the time (though it can run out of propane) the other I heat when I’m using it. Both have machines with flood coolant. Sometimes I forget to drain the coolant and I loose the pump (cheap aquarium pump. In my co2 laser I have propylene glycol anti freeze mixed in the coolant water and was thinking of doing the same with the flood coolant. Any downside that anyone can think of?

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Any thoughts on using isopropyl alcohol rubbing alcohol. That is what I added to my tig water cooler

 

[Nigel123]

I have 2 shop buildings, one is heated all the time (though it can run out of propane) the other I heat when I’m using it. Both have machines with flood coolant. Sometimes I forget to drain the coolant and I loose the pump (cheap aquarium pump. In my co2 laser I have propylene glycol anti freeze mixed in the coolant water and was thinking of doing the same with the flood coolant. Any downside that anyone can think of?

I have used windshield wiper antifreeze instead of water on my milling machine for about 10 years now
No apparent problems have only change fluid once
Temperature gets to minus 40 no damage to the pump
Cutters seem to last

 

[derbuechsenmacher]

I have used windshield wiper antifreeze instead of water on my milling machine for about 10 years now
No apparent problems have only change fluid once
Temperature gets to minus 40 no damage to the pump
Cutters seem to last

 

[derbuechsenmacher]

I think windshield wiper antifreeze is isopropyl alcohol. Thanks for the inputs, I will change the fluid this weekend nc let you all know what happens

 

[NCjeeper]

I have some RV anti-freeze in my tig water cooler.

 

[mksj]

One of the issues I can see is that the coolant can vaporize when contacting any hot surface, and inhalation is often far worse then topical for systemic toxicities. Ethanol may be more suitable to decrease the freezing point.

Effects of Inhaling Antifreeze Fumes

Harmful antifreeze fumes are released from the ethylene glycol chemical, which reacts with oxidants and acids. As ethylene glycol vapors are heavier than air, they can collect in poorly ventilated areas, often below ground level.

If inhaled excessively, ethylene glycol increases risk of breathing difficulties, heart problems, kidney failure and brain damage. Individuals with per-existing medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of inhaling antifreeze fumes.