Date:         Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:48:42 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Subject:      Re: About coolant
Comments: To: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <4B23D506.8010505@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Since we're all fumbling about and not really answering the direct question,
I'll toss in a few words:

The purpose of antifreeze is to prevent freezing and to prevent boilover.
It raises the boiling point to 230 degrees (or so) and lowers the freezing
point to around -10, depending on the dilution used.  It does not cause the
engine to run cooler, but allows it to run hotter without damage.

My mechanic demonstrated to me that antifreeze does a poorer job of
dissipating heat than does plain water by dipping a red hot piece of steel
into antifreeze to cool it, then doing the same with plaln water.  What a
surprise; a noticeable difference of cooling time.

Now you know what I know.

Karl Wolz



So is there any science to tell us that distilled water plus lubricant and
wetter helps an engine stay cooler than a standard 50/50 antifreeze mix?
KG6RCR