As you all might already know for some reason I've been getting the shittiest gas mileage... I also noticed that lately its been taking a good 20 mins of driving (on the highway) to get my thermostat to hit the normal line right below the bulb.. I might have put too much water in the radiator which diluted the antifreeze.. so could it be that since its been like 20 degrees out here lately that the diluted coolent is why its taking longer to warm the engine up? I heard someone say check your coolent if you are getting bad gas mileage.. i guess the reason that it could hurt it is a warm running engine is more efficient? am i wrong in thinking this?


[Modified by SlowAssB16a, 12:34 PM 1/17/2003]

 

You might want to check your thermostat to see if it is sticking. I know that here at acura we do a 50/50 mix(50%water 50%coolant) cause that's what Honda recommends.

 

A cold running motor will waste gas. Replace your thermostat.

 

but if its the thermostat sticking that shouldnt' actually make then engine run cold... it would just make it LOOK like its cold right?

 

More water will make the car run cooler. Just pay the $7 and change the coolant.

 

Yeah, the more water flow the thermostat lets pass through the cooler the engine.

 

7 dolla??? then how will i eat???
Good idea though..

 

If the water is flowing too fast through the engine it won't have time to soak up the heat like it's supposed to. Is this true. I've <U>heard</U> it somewhere. Anyone?

 

antifreeze lowers the boiling point in water. water boils at 100 deg C. by adding coolant it will drastically lower that temp. the 2 purposes of coolant is to 1) make your engine not freeze and seize up 2) allow your engine to quickly get up to operating temperatures. 50:50 mixture allows the optimum ratio for this. too much coolant and you're car won't heat up quick enough. too much water and your car my heat up too much and/or possibly have trouble starting up.

 

You have a bad thermostat. The water to coolant ratio isnt that important. Just get a coolant tester and make sure you have enough freezing protection for your climate. Coolant raises the boiling point of water and lowers the freezing point, it is just a modifier for the water. When you change your thermostat it is also a good time to change your radiator cap.