CF CW on Coolant
06-14-2013, 01:39 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
CF CW on Coolant
It's time to flush and replace the coolant in my 99.
I'm in central Texas where it almost never drops below 15 Deg. F.
So what's the CF Conventional Wisdom on brand of coolant and the coolant/water mix for my climate?
Thanks.
I'm in central Texas where it almost never drops below 15 Deg. F.
So what's the CF Conventional Wisdom on brand of coolant and the coolant/water mix for my climate?
Thanks.
06-14-2013, 02:38 AM
#2
Race Director
Member Since: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 10,426
Received 1,261 Likes
on
1,056 Posts
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
I always use dexcool straight from the dealer 50/50 mix of dexcool and distilled water... I'm sure the prestone dexcool from auto parts stores would work fine but make sure to get the undiluted bottle because you can mix one bottle to a gallon of distilled water and get 2 gallons... if you buy the premixed you are only getting 1 gallon for about the same price, basically you are getting ripped off
06-14-2013, 09:21 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Thanks for the comments.
Other posts over the years have suggested that the 50-50 mix will provide freeze protection down to -35F or so (which I don't need) and that more water (like a 25% coolant and 75% water mix) will cool better with sufficient freeze protection down to 0F or so.
Whacha think?
Other posts over the years have suggested that the 50-50 mix will provide freeze protection down to -35F or so (which I don't need) and that more water (like a 25% coolant and 75% water mix) will cool better with sufficient freeze protection down to 0F or so.
Whacha think?
06-14-2013, 09:43 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
You also need to look at the other side of that in that boil over protection is about 265 with a 50/50 mix and it is less with a lesser % of anti-freeze. I don't have access to my charts but I believe it is about 255. While engine overall temp doesn't often get that hot, temps at the boundary point between the coolant and the metal it is trying to cool can easily get that hot.... That's when damage to the metal can occur.
Also better cooling isn't going to happen unless you add something like water wetter. That works well with more water and less anti-freeze but provides marginal help with a 50/50 mix.
Last thing is that corrosion protection is max at 50/50 and lesser at less % anti-freeze.
I live in the high desert of Az where high temps this week have been between 105 and 110 and predicted to be above 110 next week. I still use a 50/50 mix.
Also better cooling isn't going to happen unless you add something like water wetter. That works well with more water and less anti-freeze but provides marginal help with a 50/50 mix.
Last thing is that corrosion protection is max at 50/50 and lesser at less % anti-freeze.
I live in the high desert of Az where high temps this week have been between 105 and 110 and predicted to be above 110 next week. I still use a 50/50 mix.
06-14-2013, 01:54 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Most people forget it also affects the boiling point.
I agree you should stay with 50/50 mixture for lower boiling point and corrosion protection...
I agree you should stay with 50/50 mixture for lower boiling point and corrosion protection...
06-30-2013, 05:47 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
06-30-2013, 07:36 PM
#9
Corrosion protection is the other big issue that people often forget. The maximum corrosion protection is achieved using a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and water. Less coolant, less corrosion protection.
For me, I don't take a chance with all aluminum engines. I use a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and distilled water.
07-03-2013, 01:53 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
I've noticed that too. I'm completely capable of mixing my own coolant. What's the opinion on type of water, tap or distilled? I've read distilled is supposed to be better, then I've read it can be harmful. The shop manual says to use drinkable water. I'm going to be changing mine soon.
07-03-2013, 11:31 AM
#15
Or, I've read that you can make it yourself by collecting the condensation from your dehumidifier. Just make sure you're container and condenser coil is clean.
07-04-2013, 12:13 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
Hm, odd. I bought some approx a year ago and it's still listed on Havoline site.
07-04-2013, 12:38 PM
#17
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,180 Likes
on
1,583 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Always use distilled water if its available. No Chlorine and no minerals. If you had to fill with TAP WATER, its fine but,, distilled is preferable.
BC
BC