Coolant/Water mix ratios

[Flying_A]

Hey all,
I read somewhere,(maybe on the back of a Redline product) that using a mix of less coolant and more water (70/30, 80/20) stands a better chance of lowering the operational temps/coolant temps in your car's engine when compared to a 50/50 mix. Is this fact or fiction?

 

[Quest]

your engine is designed with sufficient cooling capability in mind.

With a pressurised cooling system (anything over 10psi), your boilover temperature will be beyond 100C, which is more than sufficient for a properly functioning/designed system.

mixing different ratios of coolant and water is to deal with different ambient temp, not so much as to manipulate your engine's cooling capacity.

If you think your vehicle is overheating, get the problem resolved instead (is your radiator clogged? water pump impeller blades broken? radiator/coolant hose(s) collapsed?

Your engine (esp. EFI type with OBD-1 or 2) temperature is tightly regulated by means of water temperature sensors,and a factory spec'ed thermostat.

Playing with the idea of running your engine cooler than factory designed is simply foolish, and not gonna make your car runs any better (ever know what "open loop" is in EFI engine management/control terms?)

Q.

 

[Flying_A]

I'm not having any mechanical issues or anything, it was just out of curiosity. Thank you for your response.

 

[The_Jeff]

More water and less ethylene glycol will transfer heat better. The thermostat will keep things the right temperature. Only downsides will be less water pump lube and corrosion protection.

They make stuff like "purple ice" if you want more water.

 

[Flying_A]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
More water and less ethylene glycol will transfer heat better. The thermostat will keep things the right temperature. Only downsides will be less water pump lube and corrosion protection.

They make stuff like "purple ice" if you want more water.


I do use the Redline's Water Wetter in association with a 60 water/40 coolant mix.

 

[Artem]

I live in Florida and mix 70/30 water/coolant simply because I don't drive in below freezing temps for maybe a week or so outta the year when a cold front comes through. I do however see 100F+ during the summer.

 

[toneydoc]

Your coolant serves as both antifreeze and antiboil over. Your engine is going to operate at its designed temperature and the coolant serves to move heat to the radiator to be eliminated. Look at your manual and use the recommended mix and fluid. They spend a lot of money to make sure those things function as they should.

 

[91344George]

Originally Posted By: toneydoc
Look at your manual and use the recommended mix and fluid. They spend a lot of money to make sure those things function as they should.


x a million!

Follow the owner's manual.

Doesn't anyone READ anymore?