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Tap water or distilled in the coolant mix?


Marks71

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25 minutes ago, Dtret said:

I never looked because I don’t use it but what water is used in the pre-mix?  

I screen shot this from one of Joes sources.IMG_1515.thumb.png.123061b1e24d8443bd4cc74ac861316b.png

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1 hour ago, Dtret said:

I never looked because I don’t use it but what water is used in the pre-mix?  

It just says 'water' on the jugs I have here (Honda, Toyota, plus a couple I looked up online). Looking at the MSDS sheets say the same.

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4 hours ago, jft69z said:

The subject on radiators, water, coolant is quite complex nowadays. There is plenty of info out there from chemical companies that explain the different chemical compositions and the intended uses. The vehicle manufacturers all have their specs and requirements as well. Some use glycol based, silicate based, organic acid technology, , hybrid organic technologies, etc, all with differing colors to help distinguish between them. Some are NOT recommended for the copper/brass components of old cars (just because you put an aluminum radiator in, don't forget the heater core may still be copper/brass)

Below is some info from the various radiator companies. Most agree that distilled water is preferred, some sources say they're all good with aluminum, and others further stipulate that the system should be fully closed (overflow bottle, no way for air to enter), as that accelerates corrosion. Plenty of info that will show you any & everything you ever wanted to know about coolants:

 

https://usradiator.com/does-coolant-matter

https://www.dewitts.com/blogs/news/14054309-what-coolant-should-i-use-with-an-aluminum-radiator

https://shop.championcooling.com/articles/What-Coolant-Color-Do-I-Use

https://www.griffinrad.com/tips.php

https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/learning/from-chevron/industrial-machinery/nitrited-or-nitrite-free-coolants.html

Interesting reading, but says distilled water is bad (based on his buddy, a chemist), contrary to just about every other source out there. Still good reading:

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2022/01/26/ask-away-with-jeff-smith-picking-the-best-antifreeze-for-an-older-vehicle/

 

More in depth articles from MOTOR magazine, a trade publication for auto techs, repair shops, etc. I've been a subscriber for at least 20+ years, always top notch, fact based info:

https://www.motor.com/magazinepdfs/082004_04.pdf

https://www.motor.com/magazinepdfs/081999_11.pdf

https://www.motor.com/magazinepdfs/082010_08.pdf

Another good article:

https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/cool-it-what-you-need-to-know-about-your-vehicles-cooling-system/

 

A couple good reference charts:

https://www.chevronlubricants.com/content/dam/external/havoline/en_us/sales-material/brochures/Havoline AFC Reference Chart.pdf

https://images.oreillyauto.com/uploads/pdf/ad/SD_672 AFZ Comparison Chart-1.pdf

https://www.sparkauto.com/resources/50/offers/BESFEBRUARY2017.pdf

 

 

Lengthy read for sure, but well worth it. Thanks so much for the info. I never had a clue how complex and critical this subject was. I learned a ton.

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38 minutes ago, Marks71 said:

 

Lengthy read for sure, but well worth it. Thanks so much for the info. I never had a clue how complex and critical this subject was. I learned a ton.

It's crazy, for sure. Then factor in some of the 'horror' stories, when it usually came from people mixing them, or not following the suggested change intervals. I'm guilty of pushing the change intervals, but luckily have never see any damage....yet.

Too many variables now, unfortunately. 

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Always something to learn around here 🤘I never really dove into it before. When I upgraded to the Griffin rads I went with their recommendation/requirements for the warranty .

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