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Have you checked your antifreeze mixture yet?

Old 11-06-2010, 05:03 PM
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Have you checked your antifreeze mixture yet?

I normally am up to snuff with my maintenance. I just did the KDP and all which i removed my radiator to get at the stuff a little better. Any-who, i added coolant and such and didn't think twice about the mixture. I figured i was good to go.

Well yesterday i checked the mixture with the gauge and it was not good. It was only good for around 10*f at best...50/50 Mix is good for -34*f. I had to add a lot of coolant to get it to that point. Probably 3 more gallons of coolant truthfully.

I was hoping to scare some sense into some people who brush it off. One cracked block and you'll wish you had checked it.

Ok, i'm done playing Mom.
Old 11-06-2010, 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by JBradley500
I normally am up to snuff with my maintenance. I just did the KDP and all which i removed my radiator to get at the stuff a little better. Any-who, i added coolant and such and didn't think twice about the mixture. I figured i was good to go.

Well yesterday i checked the mixture with the gauge and it was not good. It was only good for around 10*f at best...50/50 Mix is good for -34*f. I had to add a lot of coolant to get it to that point. Probably 3 more gallons of coolant truthfully.

I was hoping to scare some sense into some people who brush it off. One cracked block and you'll wish you had checked it.

Ok, i'm done playing Mom.


I don't care if yall attack me again, except for a few allies, but if you run 100 percent, you never have to worry about it. That is, as always, my opinion. Let the bloodbath begin...Mark
Old 11-06-2010, 07:29 PM
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100% is too much.
Old 11-06-2010, 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by The_Head
100% is too much.
just curious, why would that be a bad thing, 100% that is. i run 50/50 myself, but if its low i add the hard stuff.
Old 11-06-2010, 09:58 PM
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1. Antifreeze does not transfer heat as well as water does. (I know its not an issue in this instance but here in AZ it can be)
2. Straight antifreeze is not good for gaskets and seals.
3. Most importantly, ethylene glycol (antifreeze) has very interesting properties. The freezing point actually goes UP above 70%. Straight antifreeze freezes at about 10F by itself. Water of coarse freezes at 32F. There is a chemical reaction between water and antifreeze that provides the best freezing temperature.

For a little more info read this. There is a chart of the freezing point vs. concentration in water. Scroll down to the "Coolant and heat transfer agent" section.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol

No offense intended to any one, just hoping to shed a little light into the dark closet of chemistry.
Old 11-07-2010, 04:22 AM
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Soot4brains is right, 68% is the magic number. I've got the relative temperatures in a text book somewhere if anyone is really interested, or just follow the link above!

And yeah, that chemistry closet sure is dark and deep...
Old 11-07-2010, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by KD93
Soot4brains is right, 68% is the magic number. I've got the relative temperatures in a text book somewhere if anyone is really interested, or just follow the link above!

And yeah, that chemistry closet sure is dark and deep...
In my game, experience trumps chemistry. Science would like to explain everything, but it cannot. I would like to hear from just one person that has actually had problems from running 100 percent. Anyone? I have been running 100 percent for many years, without problems. Please have science explain that one...Mark
Old 11-07-2010, 09:43 AM
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If it works for you, by all means, please continue. I don't think you should be spreading it like it's the gospel though. Most people think you are wrong.
Old 11-07-2010, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by maybe368
In my game, experience trumps chemistry. Science would like to explain everything, but it cannot. I would like to hear from just one person that has actually had problems from running 100 percent. Anyone? I have been running 100 percent for many years, without problems. Please have science explain that one...Mark
May I ask how you were able to get 100%. You can never completely drain the block unless you remove it, disassemble it, and invert it.
Old 11-07-2010, 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by cougar
May I ask how you were able to get 100%. You can never completely drain the block unless you remove it, disassemble it, and invert it.
You are right in some cases, although I run 100% in the brand new rebuilds that I do. Trust me they are bone dry. I just never add water to any system that I own. The same point can be made, how do you know you are at ANY percentage. I am not trying to convince anyone to do anything, I would just like to hear real experience and not the repetition of the same data that any Google search comes up with. Anyone?
Old 11-07-2010, 10:21 AM
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Oh you want proof? How about every new car in the world comes filled with a mixture of water and EG (or some variation of anti-freeze). Do you think those wacky engineers would recommend that mixture because they are followers and have no desire to make a break-through that would change the automotive landscape? Are they too afraid to stand up to the "man"? They have warranties to protect and they are going to use proven blend that millions of cars are using to great effect.
Old 11-07-2010, 10:24 AM
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Old 11-07-2010, 10:29 AM
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I've had 100% in trucks, the gaskets have failed early. No other reason that they would have failed. And as MAYBE should now I always use the torq wrench so he can blame it on that. I try to keep mine at the 60% level. But here in AZ not really a problem.
BUT if some one wants to run 100% its their truck and until Nobamba can control that then it's that persons choice.
Good luck to all in the cold states, Im in flip flops a cut off t and shorts out working in the yard this morning.
Old 11-07-2010, 02:55 PM
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It's pretty easy to prove that 100% EG has poor anti-freeze properties when compared to a 50/50 mix with water (or subtle variations to suit local climate) so you've lost that side of the argument (try it in your deep freezer if think SAE textbooks lie). Looks like you're in AZ, there must be some off road racing teams in the area, go see what they use as a coolant for high temps (ambient and engine), it's not 100% EG. Check any over the road vehicle that requires heavy duty cooling capacity and you won't find 100% EG used or recommended. So, all this begs the question; whats the point of running 100% EG besides that it hasn't ruined anything yet?
Old 11-07-2010, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jbawden
It's pretty easy to prove that 100% EG has poor anti-freeze properties when compared to a 50/50 mix with water (or subtle variations to suit local climate) so you've lost that side of the argument (try it in your deep freezer if think SAE textbooks lie). Looks like you're in AZ, there must be some off road racing teams in the area, go see what they use as a coolant for high temps (ambient and engine), it's not 100% EG. Check any over the road vehicle that requires heavy duty cooling capacity and you won't find 100% EG used or recommended. So, all this begs the question; whats the point of running 100% EG besides that it hasn't ruined anything yet?
Look. I am not trying to prove anything. If it is as bad as everyone says, there must be a failure somewhere, right? I don't care what you or anyone else does with your vehicles, certainly not as much as how much everyone seems to care about what I do with mine, but just because everyone says it's bad, does not make it bad. I have seen water galleys that looked brand new after 118000 miles, with nothing but 100% antifreeze. It is not as bad as everyone says, at least until I hear a horror story or 2...Mark

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