Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate??
 

As it is now, in the last couple of days my car has been running about 15 degrees hotter than normal on both city and highway, so i decided to pull the radiator and flush the coolant to see if that helps any. Wasnt much in the radiator, i did straighten all the bent fins, so maybe that will help but before i fill it up with coolant again i was wondering what the best mix is for a hot climate. Around here, especially with a black interior and a/c that is not currently functioning, every 10 degrees that the coolant temp rises makes a big difference inside the cockpit. Also could you give these numbers in reference to actual amounts needed to fill the coolant system instead of a percentage ratio, as i am not sure how much the system holds or how much water from the flush will still be in the block when i fill it up again.

Thanks in advance

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Wheelman)
 

I would use distilled water and "Water Wetter". Use about 10% antifreeze just for the anti corrosive properties. Switch back to a 50 /50 mix in winter if you live where it freezes.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (weekendwrench)
 

will using less antifreeze and more water make your car cooler or am i just guessing??


[Modified by Wheelman, 1:46 AM 7/6/2003]

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Wheelman)
 

Yeah, the water is better at cooling than antifreeze is, and water wetter works best when used with straight water.

You just cant use tap water, and you should put just a little antifreeze in.

And dont run straight water in winter, Id still run 60/40 water/freeze in winter at least.


[Modified by vader86, 8:49 AM 7/6/2003]

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (vader86)
 

I am running distilled water and a bottle of 40 Below. It's kind of like Water Wetter from what I've read on it.

I was having some serious overheating issues (aux fan went also), and having replaced the fan motor, flushed rad and topped it up with the distilled water and the 40 Below, it really keeps it cool.

It's like a new car, 175-180 highway, 180-192 in town.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Wheelman)
 

Weekendwrench has it right... The thing to remember is to add a corrosion inhibitor package to the distilled water. That is imperative!

But you should witness about 20% better cooling efficiency with straight water.

I refer you to this link for a short but informative article... http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Dan Parker '96)
 

Another inexpensive item that helps is a 160 thermostat (stock is 180). I just put one in my 95 LT1 and my normal running temp came down 25 degrees (in Alabama summer). On the surface this would appear to not make sense, but I think the 160 flows a little more volume.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Wheelman)
 

The above posts are correct, but I wouldn't go much below a 70/30 mix for any length of time. You really need the properties of the antifreeze to fight corrosion and lubricate the pump.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (John Row)
 

:iagree:

Expect a shorter pump life if you don't have enought antifreeze in there....

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (John Row)
 

:iagree: :iagree:

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (black_89_vette)
 

90% distilled water, 10% anti-freeze, 2 bottles of Redline Water Wetter.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (C44ever)
 

Another point to consider is whether you use A/C. With the A/C on Max or Recirc the heater core will be exposed to Freezing air, and coolant flow to the core will be shut off. Best to have enough antifreeze in the mix to cover down to 28 degrees or so. 10% antifreeze protects to 25 degrees.

The Redline site (www.redline.com) has a nice discussion of this topic.

Re: Whats the best coolant mix for a very hot climate?? (Wheelman)
 

Wheelman'

sorry, but :confused: :confused: :confused:
thanks
tony
:steering: