successful non-water coolant switch over

[east314]

To anyone who might care and as an FYI, I had my 81 (which always was close to overheating while sitting in traffic as it is my daily driver in the Summer) switched over to a non-water based coolant this past off-season (no laughing I learned about the idea on Wheeler Dealers). I am pleased to report that (so far) the new coolant has worked like a champ and I have not yet been close to overheating when idling in traffic.

[131]

switched over to a non-water based coolant this past off-season

If it's not water based, what is it?

[courtenay]

switched over to a non-water based coolant this past off-season

If it's not water based, what is it?

Probably a good single malt Scotch...

[SoFlaFiat]

CHIANTI!!!!

[rebar1111]

Could it be not warm enough? What is the stabilized operating temperature and thermostat rating?

[TX82FIAT]

I don't think the benefit is really in the temp reduction. The benefit from what I have read if the slower change in temperature, a much higher boiling point, no corrosion and reported to last the lifetime of the car. I've thought about it but would love to hear from folks using it long term before moving away from a know product.

[4uall]

here is some info

http://www.evanscoolants.com/evans_wate ... _faqs.html

[Exit98]

Yeah I saw that on Wheeler/Dealer too. Those British cars need all the cooling help they can get.

I've got to say though that Fiat's don't overheat. At least not when the cooling system is up to spec.

They just don't.

Maybe you have some blockage in the passages or had some air in the system or your fan wasn't functioning right.

Good luck with it and report back your experience.

[azruss]

There is no talk about the specific heat of this product. Seems its entire selling point is the fact its boiling point is so high. Lots to like though. Be interesting to see how much is hype.

[81SPIDERMATT]

To anyone who might care and as an FYI, I had my 81 (which always was close to overheating while sitting in traffic as it is my daily driver in the Summer) switched over to a non-water based coolant this past off-season (no laughing I learned about the idea on Wheeler Dealers). I am pleased to report that (so far) the new coolant has worked like a champ and I have not yet been close to overheating when idling in traffic.

did you use the prep fluid or just drain and fill .... how thick is it .... did you drill a hole in the reservoir cap ... how much did you buy and what was the total cost ... does it take longer for the car to get to operating temp.... interesting concept.... would love to see some long term info ....

[east314]

My 81 spider was overheating regularly in rush-hour traffic, even with a second fan. I replaced the radiator, and still had a problem when at a standstill for long periods of time. So far, even when idling for long periods, I do not quite touch 190 on the gauge.

[paulwall]

hi just to about to try this coolant for my self I have heard nothing but good Hear in spain we need all the help we can get to keep cool..also very good for corrosion prob is its bloody expensive..paul

[FiatBen]

Guess I'll have to go do some research and figure out how this works. Off hand I don't see how a higher boiling point would accomplish anything. A cooling system is all about heat transfer, pulling the heat out of the block and discharging it to the air blowing thru the radiator. I would think a higher boiling point could be a problem because at least when the water boils it takes a lot of energy (heat) with it. What am I missing here (talking to self)?

[ORFORD2004]

What is bad about water in a coolant?
1.The boiling point of water is only 100°C.
2.Because an engine operates very close to the boiling point of water,(within the engine block and cylinder head boiling actually occurs), thus causing pressure within the cooling system.
3.The boiling point of water is the failure temperature of the cooling system.
4.Water vapour (steam) has almost no thermal conductivity.
5.Water is aggressive toward cooling system metals and promotes electrolysis between dissimilar metals within the cooling system.
6.Water contains Oxygen which encourages corrosion in any cooling system

[azruss]

Fiatben, you are right about the energy required to turn water to steam. In this case, you dont want steam because it is a closed system and you need to condense it back to a liquid again. The purpose of pressurizing the system is to raise the boiling point. The addition of antifreeze not only acts to inhibit oxidation but also increases the boiling point as well as decrease the freezing point. Almost any additive (like salt) to water will increase the boiling point as well as decrease the freezing point. So this invites the question of why not use oil since it has a much higher boiling point than water. Oil has a very low specific heat, so it not good at pulling heat out of the metal. Water has a very high specific heat, so works well for this application. Moving the thermostat from interior to exterior provided a secondary circulation (skips the radiator) to help reduce these hot spots where the coolant can boil.