Silica Dropout
Matt,
That white stuff is called silica dropout. When using any silicated antifreeze, you will have this problem. (BTW, our cars require this type of antifreeze if antifreeze is used at all.) The silica drops out of suspension when it's effectiveness is used up. Add to that the dissimilar metals in the engine and you get electrolysis. The charged particles are attracted to the metal surface and BAM! White deposits on the ends of the tubes again. It's like your very own turbocharged electroplating process, just it ain't gold, and you get no brownie points from the signifigant other for it either.
Water Wetter has no provision for solving this problem. You need to switch to RMI-25 to solve this problem. RMI-25 encapsulates the silica to prevent it from being able to adhere to the metal surfaces of the radiator. It also helps minimize the electrolysis that causes the harmful deposits to stick in the first place. Doing this pretty much eliminates the problems you're having. Also, in summer (read: NON-freezing temps) you can run water and RMI-25 alone, no need for antifreeze, as the RMI has all the same protection as antifreeze does, EXCEPT for freezing protection. Also, this will allow the engine to run cooler as water disipates heat far better than antifreeze, and you now have water in place of the antifreeze. Nice bonus for the warm months.
In winter months where temps will go below freezing, you simply use a 50/50 mix and add 8oz of RMI-25 to the mix and the RMI will prevent the problems while the 50/50 mix is in the radiator. Soon as all threats of freezing are over, switch back to water and RMI again. If you don't have the threat of freezing temps, you never need to run antifreeze again.
Where do you get this RMI-25 stuff? Ask your favorite Buick vendor if they have it. If not, give us a call, we carry it. (412) 655-8787
Dan McCann
O.G.S. Distributing
Pittsburgh, PA