OK, I have the Fluidyne (aluminum) and I was told that the red coolant made by Prestone was the best. Is it OK to use this in my Fluidyne? It is Prestone 5/150 Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.

Also, what ratio of this to distilled water should I use? I don't want to risk overheating and I don't want to risk freezing, but at the same time I want it to be as effective as possible. I'm in NC if that tells you anything about the weather conditions.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!


[Modified by Pb_Foot, 8:41 PM 10/29/2001]


[Modified by Pb_Foot, 8:42 PM 10/29/2001]

 

I know this is out of place...

I think I'm running almost straight antifreeze, is that bad even in moderate weather conditions??

 

Straight antifreeze? As in 100% antifreeze... no water? Why would you do that? Water has better heat transfer and tolerance than antifreeze.

You should just use Honda Antifreeze. Not all of Prestone's are that good. 50/50 is a general rule... 70/30 (water/coolant) is a common one too, for warmer climate.

 

I think Honda coolant/antifreeze is very good, especially for the Honda units.

nextly, straight antifreeze is NOT good

Pure water has the best heat transfer properties than coolant/water mixtures...however it has a lot boiling pt and a high freezing one. So we mix coolant in to keep it from boiling and freezing, also, it is used as a lubricant/anti-corrosive agent. a good thing.

I've seen some autoX cars, and what not run pure water....

In warm weather you can get away with less coolant and more water for better heat transfer. Mainly because you wont reach a low enough temp for it to freeze.

Coolant doesnt boil so easily due to the coolant added (increase bp), but also due to the pressure cap , pressureizing the whole system to 1.X atmospheres, so it boils at yet again a higher temp.

Also try to use DISTILLED water, because tap water, though as **** as this sounds, has metals and what not in it, and over time, it will start to form stuff in the system, kinda like pipes in the house.

You see people adding water wetter to their fluid that basically helps the water rub up against the heat transfer surface better to get more heat out of the metal.

 

I'd just use 50/50 Honda coolant/antifreeze and water. That should be plenty enough to keep your car running in a good temperature range.