Re: more heat!

[Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>]

Fred Munro wrote:
> 
> Huw;
> 
>     I've been following your quest for heat and thought I'd throw this into
> the pot in case it applies. If you have too much antifreeze in your coolant
> mix, the heat capacity of the coolant is reduced and you will get less heat
> out of your heater. The best heat transfer is obtained at a 50:50 mix. You
> can go up to 70 glycol:30 water in extreme cold areas, but this is
> compromising the heat transfer capability of the coolant.

I'm running Sierra (ethylene glycol?) at 50/50 (cold winters).  Think
that might be it???

>     I've known of a couple of cases where owners, wanting to do "the best"
> for their car, have tried running 100% glycol. Poor heat in winter and an
> overheated engine in summer is the usual result. This situation can sneak up
> on you if you have a small coolant leak and keep topping up with pure
> glycol. You should top up with the proper glycol mixture.
>     You can test the coolant strength with one of the cheapo plastic
> testers, but be aware these have an accuracy of +/- 25%.

You test Sierra with a little thing like a litmus strip.  No leaks,
system refilled w/fresh 50/50 when I swapped radiators a few months ago.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.thebook.com/human-speakers

82 Audi Coupe; 85 Coupe GT
http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~human