Coolant concentration.
 

If the coolant in my engine is a MUCH higher concentration than normal, can it effect the radiator's ability to dissipate heat?

Answer
 

YES.

50/50 is the industry standard.





.

Yes. Both too low and too high.

If the ratio is below 45:55 or above 55:45 drain some out and use distilled water or antifreeze to adjust.

Short answer: Yes
Long answer: It should not matter much. Not to the extend that overheating the car.

It is difficult to get it back to 50/50 unless you have a hydrometer to measure the SG. If you are concern then change out the coolant. I would just leave it. If it is overheating then the problem is probably elsewhere.

The figures Richard quoted are those given in the FSM... very specific parameter....
and don't forget that it may also affect the corrosion resistance.... do not want any unnecessary heater cores eaten through...

Thanks guys! Summer's here, and with outside temps around 20-25*C the SEL has been running a little hot. I'm flushing my coolant this afternoon. I have a small overheating issue, but it's not boiling over. Idle gets really rough around 90*c, I'm sonn going to swap out the WUR to see if that changes. I'm also going to look at the timing today.. Good day for it :)

PanzerSD, install a new thermostat.

Running less than 50/50 might work in warm climates.

It has for me in the last 14 years - length of time I've owned my MB.

I run far less than 50/50 because I live in the desert and do not do snow.
One has to remember that water dispels heat better than coolant. I use a mixture of coolant and distilled water in both cars. Never have a heating problem even in 115F temps.
Anziani
'93 300CE 199K
'95 E420 122K

ANZIANI is correct. The best coolant is straight water. And, the best cooling system corroder is straight water.
Prestone, Peak, etc. aren't coolants. That's a misnomer. Yes, they will transfer heat, but not as efficiently as straight water. They’re anti freeze with good corrosion inhibitors.
In hot climates it’s the only reason for even using them.

Stick with what "WHunter-The Moderator" told you above. Your manufacturers owner's manual will tell u the same thing. Other comments are bogus to the MAX.

When tested my concentration was over 80% :eek: That would explain the 110* 5 minute warm-ups..lol.

I did a flush last week and it made a huge difference, and it needed it. When I took the block plugs out, nothing came out! I looked and it appeared as though the holes were blank, I poked with a screwdriver and there was a layer of sludge. enough to stop the coolant from coming out...

I have a flushed system, a 60% water mixture, and running temps are 80-80*c :)

I use a coolant like PG Evans at 100%.Runs good 2 years now.

does it seem to warm up faster at 100%? I tried everything to make my 617 overheat, and I couldn't get it to get hotter than 80..

Yes it works fine,I like it Sierra Antifreeze at 100%.Forget the label directions,same as Evans PG.