Radiator Coolant

[Oldav8tor]

It is generally agreed (at least amongst us northerners) that a 50-50 mix of water and ethylene glycol is the optimum cooling mix - both for cooling and freeze protection and to protect against corrosion. What got me thinking is the fact that such a mixture behaves a little differently in a unpressurized system like our Model T's. Maybe I'm wrong, but since Ethylene Glycol boils at 197° C and water at 100°C I can foresee a situation where over time you could lose water from they system resulting in an increase in the ratio of glycol to water which will effect boiling and more importantly, freezing points.

If I am correct, it would be worthwhile to check your coolant with a hydrometer a couple of times a year to insure that it is still doing the job you want it to.

[Norman Kling]

I live in a milder climate. Usually not extremely hot or cold on the coast of California. I initially fill with 50-50 and then if I need to add coolant, I use distilled water. Since it rarely drops below freezing here I haven't had any trouble with freezing, and on the hottest days which are usually in the high 90's a dry heat, I do not boil with a good radiator and no leaks. If I drive uphill for a number of miles and then turn off the engine, it will gurgle for a few seconds, but not boil over. In Michigan, at least in cold season it might be a good idea to check with a hydrometer.
Norm

[Scott_Conger]

being that we will see -35F every winter, I always check coolant in September...just a prudent thing to do as far as I am concerned. Rarely have to fiddle with it but still gives peace of mind.

[Craig Leach]

Some auto parts stores sell test strips that will tell you the freezing point by glycal % and tell you if the PH is good allong with a bunch of other
info. Gosh Scott the only time I have ever seen -35 F was on the weather report. People are comfortable at 70* and -35 is a long way from that
I'll stick to the occasional 115* it's only 45* from comfortable.
Craig.

[Scott_Conger]

Craig

-35F is quite tolerable if you wear long johns, thermal socks, winter boots, flannel shirt over Tee shirt, covered by fleece jacket followed by down jacket and then stay inside the cabin...



In all seriousness, that temp will happen just before day break...often moisture in the air will be frozen and as the sun comes up, the air looks like billions of diamonds just suspended and swirling in the breeze...it's really spectacular.

[Craig Leach]

Scott,
Ill bet that is. I'm sure it's all relative to what you are use to. When it's cold you can put close on till you can't move and in the summer we take
close off till we get arrested. I was up in Greatfalls Montana once and I asked someone if they ever had a summer and he said Oh ya last year
it was on a Tuesday.
Craig.

[Steve Jelf]

Excuse the drift, but the discussion of cold and multiple layers of clothes made me think of this.

[Mark Nunn]

I took this photo on my morning commute. Note the -32 temp.