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Old 10-23-2017, 01:46 PM   #1
michael a
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Default Antifreeze

I know this must be a subject that has been talked about a million times but I'm unsure so I thought I would ask. I put a new radiator in my car will straight water and now that it's getting closer to Winter I need to get a protected. I have heard about distilled water and regular antifreeze or the 50/50 mix what do you all prefer

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Old 10-23-2017, 01:52 PM   #2
ModelAMike1930
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I used the 50/50 mix from menards and it works great.. Good price too when onsale.
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Old 10-23-2017, 02:16 PM   #3
Bill G
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I am using the same stuff I use in my family car, a 50/50 mix. Nothing special.
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Old 10-23-2017, 02:30 PM   #4
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Default Re: Antifreeze

Some kind of anti-corrosion protection is necessary even if antifreeze isn't required, seems to me.
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Old 10-23-2017, 03:05 PM   #5
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I use cooling fluid made for cast-iron blocks,it can get hotter before boiling as water,keeps the rust out and no anti-freeze needed
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Old 10-23-2017, 04:31 PM   #6
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Interesting post. Distilled water is always good as it is not laden with minerals that can clog radiator tubes. Conventional coolants are concentrated and need to be diluted by 1/2, or 50/50. So it is better to use distilled water to dilute with. "50/50" is the same thing but it's being diluted to working strength so you don't have to. Concentrate works out to be cheaper - dilute it equal parts. Why pay extra to have someone add water?
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Old 10-23-2017, 05:13 PM   #7
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I use distilled water bought at the grocery store and Prestone yellow concentrate antifreeze. Usually Wallmart has the best price. Use a 50/50 mix.

Yes, you want antifreeze even if the car is not in freezing temps.

Last edited by old31; 10-24-2017 at 03:17 AM.
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Old 10-23-2017, 06:09 PM   #8
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Default Re: Antifreeze

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Why pay extra to have someone add water?
This applies to Light Beer as well.
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Old 10-23-2017, 10:33 PM   #9
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Default Re: Antifreeze

Some in my club have had problems with antifreeze foaming. I use O'Reilly Conventional Green Antifreeze made for older cars (pre-1980). No problems for me. I do use distilled water to mix 50-50.
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Old 10-23-2017, 10:41 PM   #10
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Default Re: Antifreeze

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Originally Posted by Magicbox51 View Post
I am using the same stuff I use in my family car, a 50/50 mix. Nothing special.
Sounds reasonable!
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Old 10-23-2017, 11:17 PM   #11
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Default Re: Antifreeze

Don't forget to use conventional formula for use in vehicles with brass radiators. Prestone long life in the yellow jug not compatible.
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Old 10-23-2017, 11:19 PM   #12
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Default Re: Antifreeze

50/50 green/water causes no issues. my car has sat with it in there for 40 years or more. changed occasionally of course. I use the mix your own out of habit
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Old 10-25-2017, 04:57 PM   #13
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I use a 50/50 mix in the radiator here in the Mississippi heat. I do refill with distilled water because of all the chemicals and minerals in the tap water. We don't get the winter weather most of you folks do.
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Old 10-25-2017, 05:24 PM   #14
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I bought some marine grade antifreeze because it is biodegradable. At the time I was losing water out the over flow tube and did not want to harm any thing. I will let people know how it goes.

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Old 10-25-2017, 07:27 PM   #15
glenn in camino
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I keep my Model As in my heated garage when they're not on the road. Be careful with antifreeze. IT WILL REMOVE PAINT.
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Old 10-25-2017, 08:46 PM   #16
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Default Re: Antifreeze

Quote:
Originally Posted by michael a View Post
I know this must be a subject that has been talked about a million times but I'm unsure so I thought I would ask. I put a new radiator in my car will straight water and now that it's getting closer to Winter I need to get a protected. I have heard about distilled water and regular antifreeze or the 50/50 mix what do you all prefer

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Antifreeze will seep through minute cracks in a block or through a marginally good head gasket whereas water won't. Not sure why that is, have read that it has something to do with water having a greater surface tension than antifreeze. I had an engine that ran cool, seldom added water but when I filled with antifreeze, started noticing it in the oil that leaked on the garage floor.
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Old 10-25-2017, 09:36 PM   #17
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Default Re: Antifreeze

There's been discussion elsewhere about the ethylene glycol ( green, etc.) vs. newer propylene glycol based antifreeze. The latter being less toxic and not as corrosive.
Can't remember which is more suitable in brass and aluminum cores. We use the 50/50 all compatible Sierra in the new Brassworks radiators and no noticeable effects so far.
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Old 10-25-2017, 10:15 PM   #18
Bruce Adams
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Default Re: Antifreeze

I use 50/50 SIERRA Brand Coolant,Propolyne Glycol, available at ACE, with distilled water, which resists foaming and, if leaked, is not poisonous to animals.
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Old 10-26-2017, 12:42 AM   #19
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Default Re: Antifreeze

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Originally Posted by René W View Post
I use cooling fluid made for cast-iron blocks,it can get hotter before boiling as water,keeps the rust out and no anti-freeze needed
More information please! This sounds to good.
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Old 10-27-2017, 09:23 PM   #20
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Default Re: Antifreeze

If you have pets at home or neighbors who let their pets roam, it would be prudent to always use the non toxic antifreeze. A little more expensive but worth the peace of mind.

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