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Old 08-24-2005, 11:54 PM
Brian Carlton Brian Carlton is offline
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,390
Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig
I believe 50/50 is optimal overall, considering boiling point, corrosion protection, low surface tension, pH, etc. However, from a pure heat transfer point of view, pure water has higher heat transfer coefficients than a mixture. That's why race cars use straight water and some people run 60(water)/40(antifreeze) if they don't need good freeze protection. If you keep adding antifreeze and you get too far above 50/50 it will start to reduce cooling.
I agree.

There is no magic to 50/50. In fact, the best mixture is the one that will just barely prevent freezing. There is no benefit to prevent freezing down to -34°F. if your climate never gets that low. A 60/40 mix or a 75/25 mix will do just fine.

The lower the concentration of antifreeze, the better the cooling. Antifreeze has about 78% (approx.) of the heat transfer properties of water.

I have to add new coolant to the SD soon. I might just go with 60/40. We never get below 0°F.
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