Coolant/Water mixture pros/cons - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mike690003 · #1 07-24-2003, 12:47 PM

Hello Board,

I recently fixed a broken hose on my 300e, the hose leaked out a lot of my coolant/water. After repairing the hose, I added about 1 gallon of water. Now my car's temp is a little higher than it usually is. As a matterof fact, my aux fan comes on. My fan never used to engage because my car always stayed in the 80 degree margain.

I have heard that using only coolant(no water) makes the car run cooler.

I have also heard that only water(no coolant) makes the car run cooler.

I have also heard that a 50/50 mix is good too.

The problem I fear is that I have too much water and too little coolant. I will be flushing my system now, but I do not know what to add. Should I use total water, total coolant or a 50/50 mix??? Or should it be another ratio?

How many gallons of coolant does the 300e need to fill the cooling system?(2,3,4 gallons????)

What do you guys suggest?

Antony · #2 07-24-2003, 01:42 PM

The person replying is correct. Coolant does not transfer heat as readily as straight water. The coolant is added as a rust inhibitor, and lubricant (as well as giving other benificial additives). Additionally, you may want to consider mixing distilled water with your choice of coolants (I will not open the "type of coolant" war)

mike690003 · #3 07-24-2003, 01:49 PM

Oops, I couldve swore I posted it in the Tech Help forum. Well, thanks for the valuable info, one more question. How many gallons does the cooling system hold?? 2, 3, 4 ????

#4 07-24-2003, 11:19 PM

Since you're in the south, this probabaly won't apply to you, but never use 100% anti-freeze in freezing weather. Unless it is mixed with water, it will freeze like anything else. It's the combination of coolant and water that creates the chemical mix that won't freeze.