Does Water Wetter Actually work?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
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From: Enter Post Count Here
Does Water Wetter Actually work?
I'm planning on getting some tomorrow, I've heard from a few people that it works, but I'm still really sceptical.
If you know how it works, please explain. :cheers:
If you know how it works, please explain. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 2
From: Na
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
I've only tried it in a 50/50 coolant mixture and used only one bottle. I noticed about 5* reduction in temp. This summer I'm going w/ 2 bottles and 100% distilled water. :cheers:
Will work for HPDE time.
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 7
From: Orlando FL
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NUckINg FuTS)
I'm running a good bit cooler after flushing my radiator completely and using water wetter...but my water pump is on its way out...too much time with the old junk in there, and the entire system's corroded looking
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
I've used it in a variety of different vehicles and have seen very consistent 10-15 degree temperature drops. As far as how it works, I may not be the best equipped, but here goes; my understanding is that it contains a surfactant (or flocculent or some such thing) which breaks the surface tension of the coolant and makes for more efficient heat transfer through the interfaces of the engine-block/coolant and coolant/radiator-tube-wall respectively. Physics and chemistry gurus will probably begin to make me look foolish almost immediately...
[Modified by rocketfinger, 6:04 AM 4/1/2002]
[Modified by rocketfinger, 6:04 AM 4/1/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (rocketfinger)
You guys are on the right track. Water Wetter contains chemicals that make it a better heat conductor. It easily transfers the engine heat to the water and then to the radiator fins. Without going in to detail it is a patented formula that is probably the best thing out there right now. I have used it on drag cars , off road buggies that have endured the Baja 1000, atv four wheel racers that also endured the Baja, Supercross racing dirt bikes that run high rpms for 45 minutes at a time,and high horsepower street race cars that normally give me fits on stop and go city driving. I have seen temperature drops of as much as 20 degrees. The lubricating properties have also helped the water pump seals. It is very safe with all metals including aluminum heads and manifolds that are prone to internal corrosion. I cannot say anything bad about the product with the exception of the high price. Until something else comes along, it is this racers choice. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
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From: Sarasota FL
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
It reduces the surface tension of the water and increases the heat transfer coefficient between the fluid and the metal surface. (reduces the little bubbles like those that form on the bottom of the pot when boiling water). The real gain is at that surface. Thermostats may keep temps up in the cooling system.
The reason it doesn't work so well on a street car is that anti-freeze reduces its efficiency. On a track car it works very well.
The reason it doesn't work so well on a street car is that anti-freeze reduces its efficiency. On a track car it works very well.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 8,511
Likes: 3
From: Memphis, Tn
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
It works best with no anti-freeze present. I've seen up to a 20 degree reduction in a race car. If you have a 50/50 mix, it will help a little, maybe 5-10 degrees.
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 747
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From: Wilmington NC
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
Here's what may be a rather elementary question. I flushed/refilled my coolant last summer (50/50 mix of distilled water and Dex-Cool) when I put the 160 stat in. Can I just add in a bottle of water-wetter, or should I pull out 12oz. of the coolant mix first? Don't want to overfill, if that's going to be a problem. I just thought about that before I dumped the bottle in...thought I'd ask first.
Dave
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
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From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (Dave95C4)
From what I have heard, it works pretty well if you simply drain the coolant out of your radiator and add the water wetter, then top it off with distilled water. This does leave some antifreeze in the block to mix, but no one said that was a major detractor of it's cooling ability.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: Winter Park Fl
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (BBA)
From what I have heard, it works pretty well if you simply drain the coolant out of your radiator and add the water wetter, then top it off with distilled water. This does leave some antifreeze in the block to mix, but no one said that was a major detractor of it's cooling ability.
C44EVER
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
Does Water Wetter Actually work? YES!!! Just like everyone above has stated. Also, it cools down more quickly, between rounds at the strip.
You cannot over fill the cooling system. Just don't let it pour out on the ground. Too expensive to waste.
You cannot over fill the cooling system. Just don't let it pour out on the ground. Too expensive to waste.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (NoWorries)
Anyone know if it would work to extract an equal amount of coolant out of the highside tank with a device and then pour in a bottle of Water Wetter into the highside tank? Just had a coolant flush and fill a week ago.
[Modified by 95_C4_convertible, 10:26 PM 4/1/2002]
[Modified by 95_C4_convertible, 10:26 PM 4/1/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (95_C4_convertible)
Anyone know if it would work to extract an equal amount of coolant out of the highside tank with a device and then pour in a bottle of Water Wetter into the highside tank? Just had a coolant flush and fill a week ago.
I drain, flush and change coolant every two to three years. About every third time, I use a commercial cooling system flush chemical.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (Dave95C4)
How often do you guys change your coolant? I had mine flushed/replaced last summer...should I have it reflushed and refilled?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Does Water Wetter Actually work? (CFI-EFI)
If by "highside tank" you mean the radiator, YES! A turkey baster works well.
I drain, flush and change coolant every two to three years. About every third time, I use a commercial cooling system flush chemical.
I drain, flush and change coolant every two to three years. About every third time, I use a commercial cooling system flush chemical.