It's time for antifreeze/coolant

[gkgeiger]

Well, I've got a little over 500 miles on the new engine and I just drained the straight water I had in the cooling system. Everything seems good with no coolant leaks. The car never got over 160 Estimated degrees. My only leak is the dipstick tube adapter, which I'm in the process of re-sealing now. I just drained the break-in oil. Anyway, do you guys use any cooling system additives? When I was in the car business (GM dealership) we always put Delco X40 Radiator Anti-Rust & Water Pump Lubricant in with every flush job. Any better ideas?

[Old Henry]

If you're thinking of antifreeze, I prefer propylene glycol to ethylene glycol as it has better heat transfer and is safer for animals that might drink it (like my dead dog did). Read more here: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_904.html

Sierra is the brand name.



For just plain water (soft or distilled mind you) I like Hy-per Lube's Super Coolant because it helps with cooling and has the anti-corrosion and lubrication additives that others don't.



Here are the dynamo test results posted on their website and container:



Learn more here: http://www.hyperlube.com/Super-Coolant-c8.html

[36tbird]

From everything I've read, 160* is a bit cool. On my engines I strive to get 180*. Mine have only distilled water and are running so cool now even with 180* thermostats that I am going to go to 50/50 antifreeze in the hopes that they warm up a bit and that the dilution will cut down on evaporation loss.

[gkgeiger]

Originally Posted by Old Henry

If you're thinking of antifreeze, I prefer propylene glycol to ethylene glycol as it has better heat transfer and is safer for animals that might drink it (like my dead dog did). Read more here: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_904.html

Sierra is the brand name.



For just plain water (soft or distilled mind you) I like Hy-per Lube's Super Cool because it helps with cooling and has the anti-corrosion and lubrication additives that others don't.



Here are the dynamo test results posted on their website and container:



Learn more here: http://www.hyperlube.com/Super-Coolant-c8.html

I'll check into that hyperlube, I am using Ethylene since that's what I had. I don't have a dog. I know of a 60 year relationship that ended because one party left his anti freeze out and the others cat drank it.

Originally Posted by 36tbird

From everything I've read, 160* is a bit cool. On my engines I strive to get 180*. Mine have only distilled water and are running so cool now even with 180* thermostats that I am going to go to 50/50 antifreeze in the hopes that they warm up a bit and that the dilution will cut down on evaporation loss.

I agree about 160*, I just put some 170* therms. in. The ones recommended here for better flow (14157 Stants)

[Ross6860]

Just started using the HyperLube and distilled water. Maybe 15% ethylene glycol just because I had some around.

The HyperLube was about all I could find locally on the shelf. There are other commercial and consumer coolant additives out there, too.

What's the specific heat of 50/50 or 25/75 propylene glycol and water? 50/50 ethylene glycol and water is around .86 at 180°F if I remember correctly, or a 14% reduction compared to straight water.

[47COE]

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I use Propylene Glycol (Sierra) too.

Besides the toxicity issue, I read somewhere that if Ethylene Glycol gets into the oil it will damage any bearing surfaces, while Propylene Glycol won't .

When my truck blew a head gasket I was glad that I wasn't using Ethylene Glycol.

Tom

[FL&WVMIKE]

You don't have to use no stinking anti-freeze, down here in Florida !
MIKE

[gkgeiger]

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

You don't have to use no stinking anti-freeze, down here in Florida !
MIKE

Well, I'll be there but my baby will be back here in cold Ohio.

[Steve Staysko]

I use Evans Waterless Coolant http://www.evanscooling.com/ I figure if Jay Leno can use it in his Bugatti I can use it in my flathead plus its non-toxic. The only downside is if you have a leak out on the road you can't just add water you must use Evans only.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Steve Staysko

I use Evans Waterless Coolant http://www.evanscooling.com/ I figure if Jay Leno can use it in his Bugatti I can use it in my flathead plus its non-toxic. The only downside is if you have a leak out on the road you can't just add water you must use Evans only.

One more downside (according to Jay Leno) - it's $40.00 per gallon.
That's $200.00 for a V8 engine. Otherwise looks like pretty good stuff.

[Steve Staysko]

Yes I will admit that it is expensive. But traditional Antifreeze will eventually breakdown and cease to provide adequate corrosion protection. In other words, antifreeze wears out and gets dirty. The service life for conventional green antifreeze is only a few years and the manufacturers recommend fluid replacement at various intervals. The Evans Coolant is a lifetime coolant and never needs to be replaced so that’s how I justify the additional cost. Our vintage vehicles spend much of their life sitting in our garages (and this doesn't apply to your car Henry :-)) but in reality they spend a lot of time just sitting so I like the additional protection.

[FL&WVMIKE]

Originally Posted by gkgeiger

Well, I'll be there but my baby will be back here in cold Ohio.

GENE .......................
Bring it with you ! A lot of "snowbirds" do.
MIKE

[gkgeiger]

My wife has other plans. She wants her car there. She is still working and paying the bills so guess what.