All confused about coolant now......

[Al]

Originally Posted By: fiddler2068

You might want to rethink that. mixing doesn't just lower freezing point, it also raises boiling point. So a stronger mixture would protect in hot weather because the cooling system would have a tougher time getting rid of heat.

fiddler

What are you trying to say. What you said makes no sense (to me)

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Al
What are you trying to say. What you said makes no sense (to me)


The last part was worded awkwardly, perhaps, but what he means is that adding the antifreeze to water doesn't merely depress the freezing point, it also raises the boiling point. Pure water will boil at 212 F, while a 50/50 mix of water and ethylene glycol will boil around 225 F.

A pressurized cooling system raises the boiling point, and the glycol content raises it further.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Al
Originally Posted By: fiddler2068

You might want to rethink that. mixing doesn't just lower freezing point, it also raises boiling point. So a stronger mixture would NOT protect in hot weather because the cooling system would have a tougher time getting rid of heat.

fiddler

What are you trying to say. What you said makes no sense (to me)

I think he means to say "NOT protect", but misses the "NOT".

 

[PolarisLaw]

Reasons To Buy Full Strength Coolant:
LESS Expensive Per/Oz.when mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Used to top-off.

When doing a complete cooling system flush I will drain and fill with water until the system drains clear water. Now that no antifreeze is present I drain and add 1/2 the cooling system capacity of full strength coolant. Difficult or expensive to get proper strength using premixed.

 

[fiddler2068]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: Al
Originally Posted By: fiddler2068

You might want to rethink that. mixing doesn't just lower freezing point, it also raises boiling point. So a stronger mixture would NOT protect in hot weather because the cooling system would have a tougher time getting rid of heat.

fiddler

What are you trying to say. What you said makes no sense (to me)

I think he means to say "NOT protect", but misses the "NOT".


Meant exactly what i said. it will protect in hot weather also because it will prevent your coolant from turning into steam. During the summer time, with the ac running, and the temperature outside much hotter, running a higher ratio coolant to water is not a bad thing.

fiddler

 

[mechanicx]

While the boiling point is raised about 5-15 F when you increase the antifreeze concentration from 50% to 70%, keep in mind antifreeze has a much lower ability to hold and transfer heat. So what happens when you get much higher than 55% concentration, and certainly at more than 70%, the engine can run hotter and over heat and the concentrated antifreeze will still boil over.

It is the pressure cap that serves the main function of preventing boiling. Antifreeze's main function is to depress the freeze point (maximized at 60-70% AF concentration) and to provide corrosion inhibition.

If you run higher than 60-70% AF you are hurting performance at both ends, cooling ability and freeze protection. And if you run much under 50% AF you are hurting corrosion protection. It's for good reason that 50% is usually recommended and never more than 70%. Also the inhibitor level is set at a level to be effective at 50% concentrate. Throw in the fact that antifreeze can be more aggressive with some plastic gaskets, and it seem clear the only reason to go over 50% AF is if cold temperatures dictate so.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I agree. The most optimal is about 50-55% for corrosion protection, lubricant and anti-freeze/anti-boil in all weathers.