Anti-Freeze of water in the summer

[gwartinger]

We have an 1917 Overland 85-4.
Original radiator with some small seeps.
Running on Anti-Freeze and stop leak.
Labor day parade coming up and Its going to be a warm one in Ohio.
Any opinion on water instead?
Thanks,
Greg

[wjguthrie]

My experience is that stop leaks seal up better with water than with antifreeze. I suggest you run water for Labor day and back to antifreeze soon after.

[Plumbline]

Modern anti-freeze is designed for pressurized systems. In an unpressurized system, radiator fluid treated with anti-freeze boils at a lower temp. than plain water. Consequently, I do not use anti-freeze, but add about a half pint of soluble oil to my radiator water. This helps lubricate the water pump, and helps prevent rust in the system. It also helps that I have a heated garage. Don

[oakland12]

I've been wondering about this as well. Does the soluble oil stop aluminum corrosion from occurring? Or does it only prevent the cast iron from rusting? I'm concerned about my aluminum waterpump and other parts in the cooling system. I've always run antifreeze without problem however if it gets on the brass radiator it leaves a stain that you can't remove.
Ken

[Freighter Jim]

A sacrificial anode introduced somewhere in the cooling system is the best way to minimize further corrosion.

If your car is sitting for awhile - consider draining the radiator & the block.


Jim