which thermostat
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Well I got the thermostat and changed the fluid and wow what a difference. There's only a gallon of antifreeze in the system for now till it get's rid of any air left in it, then i'll add more because I bought two gallons of straight coolant. The temp gauge used to read right in the middle of the E and M of temp, and I couldn't go any farther than 8-9 btdc for timing. Now it sits on the T or a little on the right side of it, and I can run the timing where I want it at. Runs a lot better, thanks for the help!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
I've personally used tap water here on Long Island for mixing with antifreeze, and over the past 25+ years never had a corrosion problem.
HOWEVER - our tap water here is VERY soft. If you have "hard" water, use distilled.
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The 1/8" hole in the thermostat is actually a very good idea. Many thermostats are engineered with the hole in it to begin with - to keep SOME water flowing even when the thermostat is closed, and to help bleed the system of air, it's a GOOD THING
The worst thing in the world is to realize you didn't get 2 gallons of coolant into the system, because the instant the thermostat opens, the radiator is almost dry. That hole in the thermostat helps a lot in that respect.
But to the original poster, NW 150, don't worry if you didn't do it, just be careful to keep checking the radiator.
180 degrees is perfect.
HOWEVER - our tap water here is VERY soft. If you have "hard" water, use distilled.
--
The 1/8" hole in the thermostat is actually a very good idea. Many thermostats are engineered with the hole in it to begin with - to keep SOME water flowing even when the thermostat is closed, and to help bleed the system of air, it's a GOOD THING
The worst thing in the world is to realize you didn't get 2 gallons of coolant into the system, because the instant the thermostat opens, the radiator is almost dry. That hole in the thermostat helps a lot in that respect.
But to the original poster, NW 150, don't worry if you didn't do it, just be careful to keep checking the radiator.
180 degrees is perfect.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
yea the one that i bought has 3 3/16" holes in it i'll guess are for that purposs of letting some water flow even when closed. I'll keep checkin the radiator. thanks for the info on the water!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I'm pretty sure you don't add any water when using 50/50.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
Correct. However, the 50/50 stuff is typically 3/4 the price of the full strength, so why pay extra for 50% water? The cost difference between 2 gal of 50/50 and 1 gal of 100% is more than enough to cover 1 gallon of distilled water.......
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
Premixed 50/50 makes sense when you are paying to have the work done. Otherwise, it's... tomfoolery? 
When I do is get the coolant specs from the owner's manual. Divide it in half, and put that amount of 100% coolant in. Then add water until it's full. I might wind up with less water than 50/50, but overall it's "about right".
Always best to check afteerard with test strips.
When I do is get the coolant specs from the owner's manual. Divide it in half, and put that amount of 100% coolant in. Then add water until it's full. I might wind up with less water than 50/50, but overall it's "about right".
Always best to check afteerard with test strips.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
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Yes I agree.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
One way to insure you are getting a 50/50 mix, is get an empty jug. Pour 1/2 of the coolant into the empty jug, and refill both with water. If you don't use all of the second jug (or even the first) grab a marker and write "50/50" on the jug, so you'll know it has already been diluted.
I tend to carry a jug of "homebrew" 50/50 with me, just in case I need to top off somewhere along the way.
I tend to carry a jug of "homebrew" 50/50 with me, just in case I need to top off somewhere along the way.