[Rhodes22-list] Antifreeze alternative question

[James B. Connolly]

In my Navy days, we used to 'borrow' number 10 cans of unsweetened cool-aid
(type) powder concentrate (aka "Bug Juice) from the cooks.  We used it to
clean the bilge.  It (or the citric acid in it) removes oil, cleans stains,
and removes hard water deposits.  Here in the northeast, we have hard water,
and I still use it to clean scale out of my dishwasher.

Never tried it in a marine water system before.  Can't hurt.

Jim Connolly

> -----Original Message-----
> From: rhodes22-list-bounces@rhodes22.org
> [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces@rhodes22.org]On Behalf Of Rik Sandberg
> Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 10:39 AM
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Antifreeze alternative question
>
>
> Hey Doug,
>
> Yup, we have the same trouble with the travel trailer we stay in, at the
> race track, in the summer. If you are using the pink stuff, RV antifreeze,
> it's not supposed to hurt you. I agree though, it tastes like s#!t. I have
> not been able to cure this, although, being careful not to get any in the
> tank helps. I wonder too, if some of the bad taste of this water
> is not just
> due to the water picking up the taste of the plastic in the tank
> and lines.
> Our water never tastes, what you would call "good", even after
> our tank has
> been refilled many times. Don't think you could blame this on not being
> rinsed out enough.
>
> Vodka seems like a reasonable alternative for this. Probably not
> a whole lot
> more expensive than the antifreeze, and certainly has more "entertainment"
> value. :-) Perhaps, when it is time to flush out in the spring, you could
> use orange juice. The acid in the orange juice would clean the
> lines and the
> resulting mixture at the tap would be cause for an annual celebration. :-)
> :-) Haven't tried this yet, but it sounds reasonable. :-)
>
> Rik
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gardner, Douglas L. (LNG-DAY)" <douglas.gardner@lexisnexis.com>
> To: "'The Rhodes 22 mail list'" <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 8:50 AM
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Antifreeze alternative question
>
>
> > I have a question, and haven't been able to locate an answer on
> the net...
> >
> > I've been concerned about my ability to thoroughly rinse the antifreeze
> out
> > of my freshwater system in the spring.  I know it isn't toxic in the
> > ultradiluted state, but I can never seem to completely rid the system of
> the
> > aftertaste, and it CAN'T be good for you.  (Cancer worries in 40 years,
> > anyone?)
> >
> > So.. I'm looking for alternatives. Both for the boat and the camper.
> > I've heard of using a gallon of cheap vodka (or other high powered
> spirits)
> > to winterize the system.  I know that it works, and makes springtime
> chores
> > more interesting.  My question is will the alcohol deteriorate
> any of the
> > plastic or rubber hoses, seals, or fittings?
> >
> > I drained the system in my camper and blew out the hoses with compressed
> > air. However, I can't completely empty the pump and some other fittings.
> > There is always the fear that there is a low spot where water
> pools, such
> as
> > the water inlet hose.
> >
> > Thanks for the input,
> >
> > --Doug Gardner
> > s/v Fretnaught
> >
> > _________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
>
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