[DML] Re: Cooling System Care

[tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Rod - As far as the coolant is concerned, the conservative approach 
is to use a 50/50 mix of a good quality antifreeze that has anti-
corrosion additives for aluminum engines with distilled water.  Tap 
water CAN have minerals that can build up in the cooling system, 
eventually causing restrictions in the flow, and blockages (worst 
case).  You shouldn't use deionized water because it can be 
chemically aggressive.  Honestly, most people that I know use plain 
tap water with antifreeze and seem to get along just fine, but 
distilled water would be the best.  If you have extremely soft tap 
water, I would definitely head towards distilled water, as soft 
water is more corrosive.  Ask your local hot tub guy about that.  In 
regards to the chronic use of system sealants such as what you 
mentioned, I think that you'll find that the consensus is that it's 
a bad thing over time because that too may build up in the system, 
and result in the same problems as mineralization.  Proper 
maintenance should allow you to avoid "over-medicating" your car.  
Additives that make water a better cooling media (Redline products), 
and provide better corrosion protection and water pump lubrication 
are always welcome. 

Toby Peterson  VIN 2248 "Winged1"
DeLorean Parts Northwest, LLC
www.delorean-parts.com

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Rod Dillman <rhdillman@xxxx> wrote:
> When flushing a cooling system should the new coolant be mixed 
with tap water or distilled water or does it really matter? Several 
years ago I had a head gasket failure on an aluminium block Cadillac 
engine and the service manager told me  that if I had added GM 
Cooling System Seal Tabs(Part No. 3634621-a $4 part) with an engine 
flush every 3 or 4 years it would likely have eliminated a $1500 
head gasket repair. Since the DeLorean engine block is aluminium 
should a similiar additive be used in it?  Your thoughts will be 
appreciated.





To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/