YACT: Total noobage.

[Wallydraigle]

My radiator coolant is really low. I'm guessing I have a leak somewhere. It's okay to put water in there until I can get it fixed, right? It's not going to freeze any time soon.

Such a noob question, I'm embarrased to ask. I feel like a girl

 

[Eli]

Absolutely, yes. Just about anything would be better than low/no coolant, lol.

Edit:

Infact, isn't water better than antifreeze if it isn't going to be anywhere near freezing, or do they recommend the 50/50 mix year round?

Does antifreeze provide any sort of anti-corrision action or anything?

Wow, I'm surprised I don't know this.. lol

 

[tnitsuj]

Distilled water only, but I would go the auto parts store and buy some of the appropriate coolant for your car.

 

[ohtwell]

You are such a girl. You can put water in their until you can get it fixed. Have you checked your hoses to see if you have a leak there?


: ) Amanda

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: tnitsuj
Distilled water only, but I would go the auto parts store and buy some of the appropriate coolant for your car.

Why do you say distilled only?

I mean, I know why.. but uh, the water in your coolant system isn't supposed to go anywhere, so.. mineral deposits shouldn't be an issue if things are working properly.

I do realize that he says he has a leak. When was the last time you checked it?

 

[amdskip]

Yes, distilled water must be used. You don't want any of those deposits building up inside your car. Just do it cheapass

 

[geno]

Does antifreeze provide any sort of anti-corrision action or anything?

Yes, very much so. It prevents deposit buildup/rusting and helps keep your water pump healthy. It's ok to run it with water for a little while, but only as a temporary fix.

 

[TwoBills]

Just go to walmart and get a gallon of cheap af (same type as what's in the system) and a gallon of distilled water. About $5 for both. That'll give you 2 gallons of mix @ 2.50 or so. 50-50 mix will find leaks that water won't.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: tnitsuj
Distilled water only, but I would go the auto parts store and buy some of the appropriate coolant for your car.

Why do you say distilled only?

I mean, I know why.. but uh, the water in your coolant system isn't supposed to go anywhere, so.. mineral deposits shouldn't be an issue if things are working properly.

I do realize that he says he has a leak. When was the last time you checked it?

It is not so much the deposits caused by minerals in the water as it is electrolytic corosion.

 

[Scouzer]

Are you sure the coolant is actually low and its not that the overflow resivoir just appears low?

The coolant level can be fine even if there is next to nothing in the aptly name overflow resivoir. Even though I can't spell that...

I've made that mistake in the past.

 

I see a few misconceptions here people.

First off, Ethylene Glycol is a poor heat conductor, when mixed 50/50 with water it will inhibit corrosion, increase the boil over temperature (water boils at 212F, a 50/50 mix will boil over at 240F - 270F depending on altitude and barometric pressure).

Straight water is much more efficiant at conducting heat but will rapidly corrode your cooling system (especially on iron block/aluminum headed engines or on any engine where disimilair metals are present).
Distilled water should be used because standard tap water has minerals in it which will fall out of suspension onced pressurized and heated (not to mention the flouride, chlorine, bromide and other chemicals which are found in tap water).

Remember too that boil over protection is also accomplished by pressurizing the cooling system, usually to around 15 to 17 pounds per square inch.