which antifreeze for new engine?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 825
Likes: 40
From: Glasgow, Scotland
which antifreeze for new engine?
whats the best antifreeze to use on my new 383 build engine and new dewitts rad??, im in the UK, doesnt get much colder than -10c, the odd time
something thats not going to eat the engine away over time
cheers
dave
something thats not going to eat the engine away over time
cheers
dave
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
A lot of the guys run distilled water and 2 or 3 bottles of Water Wetter when the weather is above freezing. That's what I'm going to do when I make the change to the DeWitt's. Just make sure the block doesn't freeze in the winter, I am not comfortable recommending one antifreeze above another. Did you ask DeWitt what they recommend?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
In researching the best coolant / mixture, I finally decided on a different path from my usual 25 / 75 mix of Prestone and distilled water.
I went with one jug of Prestone, two bottles of Water Wetter, and the rest with distilled water.
I ended up with an average coolant temperature drop of around 30 degrees when I coupled that with a new lower radiator hose.
I went with one jug of Prestone, two bottles of Water Wetter, and the rest with distilled water.
I ended up with an average coolant temperature drop of around 30 degrees when I coupled that with a new lower radiator hose.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have been using a mixture of 25% coolant and 75% water for a long time and I have never had a problem. I went from 1.25 full jugs of coolant, to 1 jug of coolant. I certainly hope that small of a difference wouldn't lead to a cracked block. If I need to I will drain it, but I'm undecided at this point.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I've been running a 50/50 mix of distilled water and Prestone for the past couple of years with my DeWitts without any issue here in New England. The solution is still as clear as it was when I put it in.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
A lot of the guys run distilled water and 2 or 3 bottles of Water Wetter when the weather is above freezing. That's what I'm going to do when I make the change to the DeWitt's. Just make sure the block doesn't freeze in the winter, I am not comfortable recommending one antifreeze above another. Did you ask DeWitt what they recommend?
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
Our warranty requires at least a 50% ratio of some kind of coolant, not for freezing protection but rather for the corrosion inhibitor package that is built into it. I am currenty recommending the G05 coolant, mixed with 50% distilled water or just buy it premixed. This is kind of a hybrid of the old and new coolant technology and has been working well without any reported problems.
I have been using G-05 in my BeCool radiator for about 8 years now with no issues. Good stuff.
Last edited by SteveG75; Aug 15, 2008 at 03:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Prestone or any green antifreeze mixed about 50/50 with distilled water. I change mine every spring, cost me $10.00. Never have to worry much about any kind of corrosion by changing it often.
Changing your antifreeze yearly is one of the cheapest items you will spend money on car maintenance.
Changing your antifreeze yearly is one of the cheapest items you will spend money on car maintenance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
don't overfill, the radiator, should have a high water mark on the rad, fill it up to that and no further. that's the way it is on my 71, I don't have an overflow tank, yours is probably different.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 825
Likes: 40
From: Glasgow, Scotland
pretty sure It takes more than two gallons so Buy two gallons of the G05 and 2 gallons of distilled water and mix it, then fill up, keep what's left over. be sure to allow all the air to escape by leaving the radiator cap loose until you have gone thru a couple cycles of the thermosat opening and closing. recommend you use the robertshaw 180 degree hi-flow thermostat. Mr. Gasket is the same style, I believe they are made by robertshaw.
don't overfill, the radiator, should have a high water mark on the rad, fill it up to that and no further. that's the way it is on my 71, I don't have an overflow tank, yours is probably different.
don't overfill, the radiator, should have a high water mark on the rad, fill it up to that and no further. that's the way it is on my 71, I don't have an overflow tank, yours is probably different.
cheers
dave
