Coolant question
 

I have followed of member K6JRF regarding the right coolant mixture/ratio.

I keep the water/coolant ratio to 70/30 as suggested by K6JFR.

See:

http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html

Today I drove my 1989 300TE (197k miles) in the San Fernand Valey. Stop and go traffic. A/C on high all the way. Ambient outside temperature were over 100 degrees. My car's temperature never went over 100 degrees. So i am pleased with my current situation.

My question is: am I hurting the car in any way by running such a high water to coolant ratio? Every mechanic that I have talked to suggests at least a 50/50 ratio.

My car runs wells but, again, am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for your input.

Bump.

Anyone?

Anyone??

Anyone???

water is a better coolant than coolant. Typical coolants provide anti-freeze protection coupled with rust inhibitors.

If you were living in frigid to below freesing temps then the high water content would be a problem. Real concern is ability to prevent freezing when using coolant. So if your 70/30 is calibrated to your climate, things will stay cool.

The second and very important factor is the anti-corrosion properties of the coolant. That is one reason why 50/50 is so widely recommended and used
If you use distilled water and MB coolant with coolant change within every 36 months, that is good maintenance.

No freezing issue in sweltering So. California.

I have it changed every 24 months...religiously. OK, I guess I am OK then.

are you using the distilled water?

I would also wait for more replies, but I cannot imagine it being bad or that a higher ratio helps water pump seals or prevents cavitation better.

I am curious how the Volvo compares to the Mercedes C-class?

I do use distilled water...straight from the supermarket!!!

The Volvo V70 is larger and has more carrying capacity. And the seats, specially the front seats are so comfortable. If I could have my desk chair at work made out of volvo seats I'd be a very happy camper.

The 2002 V70 is the fourth Volvo that we own...past one included a 740GLE sedan and a 740GLE wagon, plus a 940 Turbo. Volvos are nice, safe cars.

They are not, however, as tightly built as Benzes.

Even the 300TE with nearly 200K on the clock feels at least as tight as the Volvo.

The C320 wagon is a rocket. It seriously drives and handles like a sports car, a sports car with a huge trunk.

My former 940 turbo was not that fast at all...not even with the turbo fully engaged. Volvos are just not that fast, not compared to Benzes.

They are both very different wagons. It depends on what you are looking for in a wagon. I love wagons and have owned lots of them. I do like both the C320 Wagon and the Volvo V70...for what they each are.

whichever you chose, however, you will have a lot of fun. My youngest daughter has just taken up surfing and I bought a roof rack and load bars for her wagon. I must say it looks pretty cool with her board on top. :cool:

I don't believe you'll have any corrosion issues with a 70/30 mix. Since there are less corrosion preventatives in the solution, changing it every 24 months should be a priority.