[DeTomaso] Does antifreeze "ferment" or something?

[Charles McCall]

Hi all
Many years ago (10? 15?) I installed two valves under the car to shut off
flow of coolant to the heater core inside the cabin. This is commonly done,
either as a safety requirement in certain series to avoid the possibility
of a hose bursting inside the cabin, or in an effort to improve the A/C. In
my case I did it to help improve the A/C by avoiding the possibility that
the valve doesn't shut 100% and some hot water is circulating through the
heater core.

I haven't opened the valve since I installed it. 10 or 15 years ago. As
time has passed, I've become more and more afraid to open it, thinking "if
it ain't broke, don't fix it". I have no leaks, etc.

Heading out this weekend for what will probably be the last car event of
the year in the Rioja, 3-4 hours from home. If you are a fan of wines the
name may mean something to you, and if it doesn't, it should!!

Forecast is for unseasonably cold weather all weekend. I've toyed with the
idea of opening the valve to have heat, but I am afraid of creating a
problem where I don't have one now. What happens to antifreeze in a sealed
circuit over the years? Is there a good reason to leave it shut? Or will it
last indefinitely and I can open it risk-free?
-------------- next part --------------
   Hi all
   Many years ago (10? 15?) I installed two valves under the car to shut
   off flow of coolant to the heater core inside the cabin. This is
   commonly done, either as a safety requirement in certain series to
   avoid the possibility of a hose bursting inside the cabin, or in an
   effort to improve the A/C. In my case I did it to help improve the A/C
   by avoiding the possibility that the valve doesn't shut 100% and some
   hot water is circulating through the heater core.A
   I haven't opened the valve since I installed it. 10 or 15 years ago. As
   time has passed, I've become more and more afraid to open it, thinking
   "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I have no leaks, etc.A
   Heading out this weekend for what will probably be the last car event
   of the year in the Rioja, 3-4 hours from home. If you are a fan of
   wines the name may mean something to you, and if it doesn't, it
   should!!
   Forecast is for unseasonably cold weather all weekend. I've toyed with
   the idea of opening the valve to have heat, but I am afraid of creating
   a problem where I don't have one now. What happens to antifreeze in a
   sealed circuit over the years? Is there a good reason to leave it shut?
   Or will it last indefinitely and I can open it risk-free?A