Need Coolant Advice

[driverdan]

I think it's time to drain & replace coolant in my 2 year old 460 and I am unsure as to what to use. Appears to now have mixture of anti-freeze & water. I live in Northern Ohio where it can get cold, but do not normally take out of the heated garage in freezing temps. Engine is steel block, aluminium heads, 500 hp, 10&1/2 to 1 compression. Should I use something like Prestone Heavy Duty Flush before final concoction? What should final concoction be? Also, I've heard an old wives tale that something needs to be added to prevent electrolysis between the metal & aluminum-not true is it?

[elric]

go to www.norosion.com
good advice on electrolysis. I would use G-05 antifreeze; as little as possible and add softened water to dilute.
good luck

Steve

[Dwight]

30 to 40% anti-freeze and distilled water works good for us. Most Cobras stay in a garage and are not subject temperatures below 35 degrees. More than 50% anti-freeze will cause a engine to overheat, . Dwight

[rdorman]

Driverdan... I am in Columbus. I use nothing but distilled water, 2 cans of water wetter and one can of lube/corrosion additive (just because). Even in the winter. If you want to go the antifreeze route, I think you have the info that you need!

[trularin]

I have the exact same mix as RIck, but I need antifreeze for the winter. While he is basking in the sun in the middle of January, I am freezing the family jewels in Michigan.

The wetter works and the lube is for the water pump and antirust. I run between 180 and 200 ( fan cycling ) on a 95 degree day.



Crap, just notice rdorman did not sign his post as "Rick"

[Excaliber]

If I was in a freezing climate area I'd run antifreeze just in case the car broke down or had to be left somewhere 'out in the weather'. Maybe I'm just paranoid...

[JBCOBRA]

Excaliber has an excellent point in favor of using anti freeze in cold climates.
Because, come to think of it my car has crapped out a couple of times ( 1. sheared distributor pin and 2. fried ignition module while delivering Christmas presents) and it was COLD out. Luckily I had anti freeze in the engine. Could have used some "anti freeze" for me!

[Excaliber]

I've had mine towed home twice

I lost the alternator belt once and didn't want to bother with it on the highway. Same thing when I had an electrical problem, just easier to call AAA. It can be a LONG wait if you request a flat bed tow truck.

[ByronRACE]

I'd run about 40% antifreeze, 60% deionized water, and a bottle of "water wetter".

Tap water contains all kinds of metal salts that contribute to corrosion. Think of it this way; they don't want you to run tap water in your household clothes iron, why would you use it in your cobra.

Water wetter helps eliminate thermonucleatic boiling...i.e. little bubbles that form on metal surfaces like what you see on the bottom of a pot of water on the stove. The result is far better heat conduction. It also contains lubricants and stabalizers that keep corrosion at bay.

If you want to go really nuts, look into Evans coolant. I've used it. It works fine, but I don't like having to deal with (or pay for) it.

[driverdan]

As I hoped, I now can make an intelligent (out of character for me) decision. Thanks everyone, especially Rick, who is my idol !!!!

[rdorman]

Originally Posted by driverdan

Thanks everyone, especially Rick, who is my idol !!!!

First time for every thing!