Water only in rad?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
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From: Manalapan FL
Water only in rad?
I understand some of y'all are running water only (+ Water Wetter) in your radiators. Here in FLA, we don't have to worry much about freezing, but I was under the impression that "anti-freeze" also raised the boiling point, preventing boil over.
???
Thanks in advance,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
???
Thanks in advance,
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 294
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From: cincinnati oh
Re: Water only in rad? (74FLCONV)
Anti freeze is just that, it only keeps the water from freezing and does not help in cooling. If it does raise the boiling point, it will be very slightly (only a few degrees or so). Still, I would NEVER run an engine without it, even in Florida. It is very cheap insurance angainst replacing freeze plugs or possible damage. Just my 2 cents.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 2
Re: Water only in rad? (vetteboy1976kr)
Correct, however....
There are two types of "anti-freeze". Ethylene Glycol (EG) Anti-freeze is the older type and very toxic. Propylene Glycol is the newer type and is less toxic and resists corrosion of aluminum, iron and soldered joints.
So you should use some of the newer type, ususally pink or orange mixed with water to decrease the corrosion in your engine.
Ryan
There are two types of "anti-freeze". Ethylene Glycol (EG) Anti-freeze is the older type and very toxic. Propylene Glycol is the newer type and is less toxic and resists corrosion of aluminum, iron and soldered joints.
So you should use some of the newer type, ususally pink or orange mixed with water to decrease the corrosion in your engine.
Ryan
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Water only in rad? (74FLCONV)
Antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the coolant and also raises the boiling point. If your cooling system holds pressure at the rated 15 psi, the boiling point of water alone is around 250'. With anti-freeze the boiling point is even higher. Even in Florida you need to run some anti-freeze because it also contains additives to keep your iron parts (i.e. block) from rusting. The water pump also relies on the additives for lubrication. I believe there are additives available that you can add to straight water to get the corrosion protection and lubrication without the "anti-freeze" component (which is actually ethylene glycol).
Water is one of the best coolants on the planet and adding antifreeze to it actually decreases the heat capicity of the coolant but you are trading off the risk of a cracked block (if you drive to the frozen north or have a cold spell), rusty coolant (which can deteriorate your radiator and water pump bearing), or a failed water pump bearing and seal(from lack of lubrication). Besides, your cooling system was designed to take in to account the loss of heat capacity and the use of coolant is assumed in its design.
If I lived in the Sunshine state I'd still run some antifreeze, but probably much less of it. Probably only 20% instead of 40%.
Water is one of the best coolants on the planet and adding antifreeze to it actually decreases the heat capicity of the coolant but you are trading off the risk of a cracked block (if you drive to the frozen north or have a cold spell), rusty coolant (which can deteriorate your radiator and water pump bearing), or a failed water pump bearing and seal(from lack of lubrication). Besides, your cooling system was designed to take in to account the loss of heat capacity and the use of coolant is assumed in its design.
If I lived in the Sunshine state I'd still run some antifreeze, but probably much less of it. Probably only 20% instead of 40%.
