rad coolant flush

[aveodude]

Couldn't you fill it with just water for the 15 minute drive, and use the 50/50 for the final fill-up?

When I lived in Florida, I never bought anti-freeze. It never freezes in Florida so why bother. I also never took that car out of the state.

[ontarian_frog]

Couldn't you fill it with just water for the 15 minute drive, and use the 50/50 for the final fill-up?

When I lived in Florida, I never bought anti-freeze. It never freezes in Florida so why bother. I also never took that car out of the state.

Antifreeze does 4 things.

1. It acts as a coolant
2. Keeps the fluid from freezing in below 0 temp.
3. Prevents rust from building in the whole system. (Pump, passages...etc.)
4. Raises the boiling point of water.

[petrified.rabbit]

if you use distilled water, it wont harm the system, plus the notion of it flash rusting just because there isn't coolant in there isn't entirely true. you just need to flush the system more often. a lot more. but it can be done without problems. a product like water wetter will even make it as efficient as coolant, and last almost as long as traditional coolants.

only thing is if your car is still under warranty, changing the coolant type will void and possible warranty against the head gasket, water pump, and overheating.. regardless of that act.. because it is a direct modification.

[aveodude]

Antifreeze does 4 things.

1. It acts as a coolant
2. Keeps the fluid from freezing in below 0 temp.
3. Prevents rust from building in the whole system. (Pump, passages...etc.)
4. Raises the boiling point of water.

Water acts as a coolant
It does not freeze in 90% of Florida
How is is going to rust and aluminum head, block, and radiator?
keep an eye on the fluid

Plus when you spill water on your belts, it will not corrode them. And when your dog licks it up after you spill it, it will not die.

Antifreeze has its place, just not in tropical climates.

[07_aveo]

The main concern in tropical locations would be the boiling point. Since water boils at 100C and most cooling systems run at about 150C, you will mostly likely run into problems with air lock and overheating. I'd stick to using coolant, it also acts as a lubricant for the water pump.

[MetroAveo]

+1

I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and it freezed on several occasions this past winter.

If you live in south florida, it might not, but in north or central it's bound to freeze at least once.

[aveodude]

The main concern in tropical locations would be the boiling point. Since water boils at 100C and most cooling systems run at about 150C, you will mostly likely run into problems with air lock and overheating. I'd stick to using coolant, it also acts as a lubricant for the water pump.

If your coolant system runs at 150C (302F) the engine will not be running much longer. Most thermostats open at 195F(90C) and at 240F(115C) you are seriously overheating

[aveodude]

+1

I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and it freezed on several occasions this past winter.

If you live in south florida, it might not, but in north or central it's bound to freeze at least once.

I lived in ft lauderdale. never dropped below 50. ahh the days.

[petrified.rabbit]

Most thermostats open at 195F(90C) and at 240F(115C) you are seriously overheating

i always used 160 or 180 degree thermostats.. but the system is pressurized to delay the boiling point.

[aveodude]

I should have said, most cars stock use a 195
I use a 180 in my car. I find that I get much worse gas mileage with the 160 because the car is constantly in open loop