Thoughts on new coolant...

[Eric VerValin]

Should I run my own mix of coolant, and distilled water , or buy premixed? Trying to avoid impuritys.. i would think mixing my own would be good... ?

 

[CerberuS]

Never run pure (water or coolant)

In the northern areas AFAIK its 50/50.

Pure water will boil , and pure coolant will corrode your internal parts.

 

[NWGRN94MTX]

You can do it either way. The premix uses purified water to dilute. Or you dilute it yourself with purified distilled water. I also mix in some "Water Wetter" in my blower car.

 

[Eric VerValin]

I remember 'Redline' making some of that a few years ago.. do they still? Im assuming thats what your talking about. Nice dog too btw.

And cerberus.. I wasnt going to run pure either, just wondering about the ingredients to mix. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[rangerj]

Yes, you can mix the coolant yourself. Mix one gallon of coolant with one gallon of deionized, PH neutral, water, ergo a 50/50 mix. Make sure the container you use to mix the coolant is clean so you do not introduce "impurities" into the mix. Mix the anti-freeze and the water thouroughly. I use a paint mixer on a drill to do this, but you can do it by hand. Let the mix set for a while and then test it. A 50/50 mix of Prestone, for example, will test to -34 degrees F. If you get a different reading mix it some more. I use a paint filter to strain the mix as I add it to the cooling system as a precaution. Add an additive to the mix if you think that is necessary, or it otherwise makes you feel better.

Before adding a fresh mix it is a good idea to test the thermostat (hot to boiling water) and check all hoses, the radiator, and other connections, for leaks. Test for leaks before draining the system and repair any leaks before filling the system. If the old coolant comes out "rusty" looking, or there is a build-up of mineral deposits in the system, then a cooling system cleaning and back-flushing may be necessary. Just some thoughts.

 

[Eric VerValin]

well that was another thing i was thinking about.. maybe putting the housing on the front, and the thermostat tube on the back and flushing it out somehow. It hasnt had anything thru the block yet, and was wondering how to flush it with some pressure behind it. maybe block off the water pump area, and open the two drain plugs and let it flow thru a few times? Maybe take it straight to a place that can do that right off the bat, or let it warm up, then drain it all when I finally get it running? All my seals and gaskets will be new, so it better not leak..