Re: coolant question

On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 12:27:25 GMT, Chris Whelan
<cawhelan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Ian Dalziel wrote:

On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:16:15 GMT, Chris Whelan
<cawhelan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Ian Dalziel wrote:

On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 08:08:41 GMT, Chris Whelan
<cawhelan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Ian Dalziel wrote:

On 30 Aug 2006 10:41:05 -0700, "psy93" <msee117@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:


Stu wrote:
I would suggest you drain & replace the coolant, as the plain water
used by
the breakdown guy will have diluted the strength significantly. As it
has
already been filled up, you won't be able to add enough antifreeze to
get
it back to the required strength.


How likely is it to freeze in August?


Not very. However, "antifreeze" should really be re-named as "coolant".
Its use is essential all year round because it contains anti-corrosion
additives. These are required when any elements of the engine or cooling
system are aluminium, and desireable in all other cases.

The antifreeze also raises the boiling point of the coolant; again this
is needed on modern vehicles because they run so hot.

Thirdly there are additives that help to lubricate the water pump
bearings.

With the milder winters we often experience now, the "antifreezing"
properties of antifreeze are arguably not its most important property!


All true. But I don't see any urgency, and I don't see why you should
*drain* the cooling system.

I'm not sure anyone mentioned that a drain and refill should be done
*urgently*

If an unknown quantity of coolant had been lost and replaced with water,
how otherwise would the OP ensure that he ends up with the correct
dilution ratio?

The OP's car is 10 years old. The maintenance of it may not have been
recorded accurately. The advice to drain and refill is surely very
sensible?


I'd have said the dilution ration was hardly critical so long as there
was enough antifreeze.


Huh?


The recommended ratio usually varies depending on season and intended
usage, doesn't it?
If I'd watched the water going in, I'd have an idea how much had been
added - I'd add roughly enough antifreeze with a bit more for luck. If
it wouldn't fit, I'd let some out. All right, so I'm a slob - but I'd
be fairly relaxed about that.
It's a Cinquecento, not a Formula One Ferrari.

--

Ian D
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Flushing cooling system on GMC Savanna.........
    ... just planned on filling with water getting to temp...draining a few ... Here is how I did my last coolant flush, ... Opened radiator cap. ... Filed remaining with 50/50 antifreeze and water. ...
    (rec.autos.tech)
  • Re: How Do I Get the Water Out When Changing Antifreeze?
    ... Then proceed to give some simpleminded drain and refill instructions. ... replacing the antifreeze. ... antifreeze to create a 50/50 mix -- too much water stays in the block. ... but the instructions never mention the block plug. ...
    (rec.autos.tech)
  • Re: 300m 3.5L engine: How much coolant is left in engine after replacing hoses and pump?
    ... engine in a 300m, how much coolant would still be left in the engine? ... If you drain it by removing the hoses, without removing block plugs and blowing out what you can with air, you'll probably have about half that left in it. ... As a DIY'er, I always flush it by pouring a couple gallons of distilled water thru the system - that way, the remaining is close to being just water - then put the hoses back on and put in 1/2 the system capacity of antifreeze - top off with distilled if needed - guaranteed close to 50/50 mixture. ...
    (rec.autos.makers.chrysler)
  • Re: coolant question
    ... I would suggest you drain & replace the coolant, as the plain water ... The antifreeze also raises the boiling point of the coolant; ...
    (uk.rec.cars.maintenance)
  • Re: How Do I Get the Water Out When Changing Antifreeze?
    ... Then proceed to give some simpleminded drain and refill instructions. ... replacing the antifreeze. ... antifreeze to create a 50/50 mix -- too much water stays in the block. ... but the instructions never mention the block plug. ...
    (rec.autos.tech)