Coolant ratio.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: KY
Coolant ratio.
How important is the 50/50 mix? When I changed my coolant I wasn't paying attention when refilling and ended up putting too much coolant in. I probably have something like 75% coolant and 25% water. I didn't really worry about it afterwards and haven't noticed any problems, but I do need to correct it if there might be some long term negative effects.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 235
From: North Carolina
Not sure what brand you put in, but Dex-cool recommends 50/50 mixture, max 60% if you live on the frozen tundra. Your 75% is high. I'd do the calculations on what you put in against the capacity and work up a dilution scheme. Another way would be to get a antifreeze tester, determine what level your protected down to, ie -50 degrees, and start dilution from there. I think the container provides estimated protection ranges as a reference. Not sure if and what the downside is if you leave it at the current level.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
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From: Waldorf MD
Higher coolant levels will cause higher temperatures (pure water cools best). Plus it will tend to leak easier (lower surface tension).
Also found this: "Using antifreeze without mixing it with water can damage the engine by causing high operating temperatures. Additives in the antifreeze can also gum up cooling system passages and damage water pump seals. Glycol should make up between 40 and 60 percent of the mix for best results."
Also found this: "Using antifreeze without mixing it with water can damage the engine by causing high operating temperatures. Additives in the antifreeze can also gum up cooling system passages and damage water pump seals. Glycol should make up between 40 and 60 percent of the mix for best results."
Race Director
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[QUOTE=Oldvetter]Higher coolant levels will cause higher temperatures (pure water cools best). Plus it will tend to leak easier (lower surface tension).
I have worked on cars that were overheating because the owner poured in too strong of a coolant mix.
I have worked on cars that were overheating because the owner poured in too strong of a coolant mix.
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Find some way to dilute the coolant with water to bring it more in line with a 50/50 mix.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 538
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From: Edmond Ok
I agree with some of the above posts, water cools the best. Mix it according to the conditions you will be in. If you don't need protection down to -10 F you may not need as much coolant as others way north of you. There should be a table on the antifreeze container or get a tester from the local auto house. good luck
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Find some way to dilute the coolant with water to bring it more in line with a 50/50 mix.X = qts of 30% water mix to drain
12.6 x .5 (desired mix) = X (1.0) + (12.6 - X) .3
6.3 = X + 3.78 - .3X
6.3 = .7X + 3.78
X = (6.3 - 3.78) / .7 = 3.6
