Antifreeze query

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Mon Nov 07, 05 8:19 pm

filled the charger with antifreeze today, according to the manual a 26 inch rad equipped 383 holds a massive 18 quarts of liquid. So, I converted US quarts to UK litres and it worked out at 17 litres of liquid to go in. I've stuck 8.5L of antifreeze in and the rad is full, obviously I seem to have messed up the conversion, but, do I need to drain some antifreeze or can I leave it running on 100% antifreeze?

Mick70RR · Post by **Mick70RR** » Mon Nov 07, 05 8:50 pm

My manual says 15 US quarts (12.5 Imperial quarts) for a 383 with a 26" rad. This works out at 11.8 litres. Some water will stay trapped in the block and heater matrix when you drain it. I would leave it as it is.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Mon Nov 07, 05 9:09 pm

Drain it. Anti Freeze has a lower boiling point than water believe it or not and is not as good at heat transfer. The ideal mix for Anti freeze is 30%, in this form it will cool, protect and lubricate the system.

It should be noted that anti freeze also searches for leaks far more than water and rots rubber.

Mick70RR · Post by **Mick70RR** » Mon Nov 07, 05 9:23 pm

My owners manual states "The cooling system should contain at least 40% anti-freeze for proper corrosion protection".

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Mon Nov 07, 05 9:25 pm

I know it does, modern mixes are not what they were, trust me I have been in the game all my working life ! and not working on Fiestas

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Tue Nov 08, 05 12:51 am

thanx guys, I'll drain it and start again

.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Tue Nov 08, 05 10:09 am

Yup. I always aim for 30%.

But usually as the year goes on and I loose a bit of water doing bits of engine work (header gaskets etc) it usually top it up with just water so by the end of the year it usually has a lot less than that in it. It is not something I get stressed about.