75/25 Coolant Mix
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
75/25 Coolant Mix
I'm using a 75/25 coolant mix (with Water-Wetter) for more than obvious reasons. If I use my block heater, then start and warm up the car in the garage to about 150 degrees with it below freezing outside, is it OK to drive the car with this mix in the winter or is it safer just to increase the coolant? I don't run her too much in the winter just a weekly spin.
Thanks!
Bill
Thanks!
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
That should be OK. Just don't park too long at your destination when it's too cold out. A 25% antifreeze solution should give you protection to about 10* above zero. Unless it's really cold out, the long warm up isn't necessary. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
Bill there isn't any problem running that mix. The only problem I would worry about is freeze protection. During the really cold days when there is a risk of block freezing I am sure that you would probably have that block heater plugged in, right? :)
[Modified by tjwong, 10:03 AM 11/26/2003]
[Modified by tjwong, 10:03 AM 11/26/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
Factory fill calls for a 50/50 mix which should get your freezing protection down to -35 deegrees. The additional coolant should also increase the anti-corrosion protection. With the car in the garage, you shouldn't really need a block heater unless it helps to start the car easier or the temps do get below zero.
One thing that is very important is to get the oil up to normal operating temperatures. Any condensation inside the motor may not get removed if the oil and water temps aren't up to normal for a period of time. I would drive around for around 20 minutes after oil temp is up to normal. There will be moisture in the exhaust system, too. Getting the exhaust system hot will burn off any moisture and increase its life.
One thing that is very important is to get the oil up to normal operating temperatures. Any condensation inside the motor may not get removed if the oil and water temps aren't up to normal for a period of time. I would drive around for around 20 minutes after oil temp is up to normal. There will be moisture in the exhaust system, too. Getting the exhaust system hot will burn off any moisture and increase its life.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (TreyZ28)
I've read that anit-freeze also serves as a water pump lubricant. Does 25% seem to be enough that purpose?
My opinion, 50/50 all the time. Why take unnecessary chances.
Jake
My opinion, 50/50 all the time. Why take unnecessary chances.
Jake
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Coweta OK
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
When I was young, oh so long ago, I got in my car without warming it up. It had 25% antifreeze. It was about 10 degrees outside and I promptly froze my radiator........solid.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: (TheStef)
Water cools waaaaaaay better than antifreeze does, but it also freezes and boils which is bad living in cold climate areas and high running temps. Antifreeze both lowers the freeze point and raises the boiling point when mixed together. You get less cooling, but more protection.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: (scorp508)
After the solution reaches 70% antifreeze/30% water, the freezing point starts to rise and the boiling point becomes lower. A 50/50 mixture protects down to -34* F (not just -20*). A 70/30 (70 antifreeze) is good down to about -66* F. 100% antifreeze costs more and protects less than the appropriate mixture. If *I* needed more than a 50/50 mix, I'd be moving. Remember, too the freezing point has nothing to do with "wind chill". Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
PS. My numbers came from an ethylene glycol container. Dex Cool may be different.
RACE ON!!!
PS. My numbers came from an ethylene glycol container. Dex Cool may be different.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: (TheStef)
I don't know the freeze point of straight antifreeze. Unless you live near the arctic circle, I would think you are adaquately protected. I wouldn't add water, at this point, unless it's low on coolant, but you CAN protect it better for less money, next time. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
Re: (TheStef)
Good question. Almost all manufacturers, including the Corvette, leave the factory with a 50/50 mixture-even cars going to dealers in Florida (good to -34). It is as much for corrosion protection as freeze/boil protection. I have changed the anti-freeze yearly in the 85, 88 and 95 and all the internal radiator fins are bright and shiney with zero corrosion. I can not look into the 95's radiator but I am sure it is the same. Shows how well this mixture and yearly flushes can keep a 19 year old radiator/system looking like new. It is the first thing I look for when buying a used Vette. Tells me if the car was REALLY well cared for rather than what the seller says.
Just replaced the anti-freeze with the new and better G-05 anti-freeze. Anyone else using this new stuff? It has been used and proven in europe. It will mix with the green but not Dex. Can be used in a clean Dex system. Offers better corrosion protection.
Just replaced the anti-freeze with the new and better G-05 anti-freeze. Anyone else using this new stuff? It has been used and proven in europe. It will mix with the green but not Dex. Can be used in a clean Dex system. Offers better corrosion protection.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
Ok, so the consensus is, yes I'm protected enough to drive her around (here in Virginia...temps rarely go below 10* but below 32* is typical in Virginia in dead of winter) but I do have less water pump lubrication and corrosion protection. But...doesn't water-wetter increase the lubrication and corrosion resistive properties since those who use it typically run less anti-freeze anyway to reduce operating temps? I just don't remember.
Thanks!
Bill
Thanks!
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: 75/25 Coolant Mix (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
Ok, so the consensus is, yes I'm protected enough to drive her around (here in Virginia...
I'll be interested in further responses on the Water Wetter question. This spring, my track outlawed antifreeze. I ran pure water and a bottle of Water Wetter (allowed). With semi-annual flushes, anitfreeze out in the spring and back in, in the fall, I'm not too worried about corrosion, but I would like input on the water pump lubrication question.
Bill, A 50/50 mix is pretty well considered a "universal" solution, except in extreme conditions where more protection is required. Previous to the new track rule, I have always flushed my cooling system bi-annually. I have the origional radiator core, still in good shape. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
Re: (CFI-EFI)
With marginal anti-freeze protection and outside temperature around freezing or slightly above, I've seen radiators freeze up if you are on the road before the thermostat opens. Has to be the wind chill effect through the rad.
For the price of anti-freeze, go 50/50. My 2 cents!!
For the price of anti-freeze, go 50/50. My 2 cents!!
