Just got the Dieselsite coolant filter kit and am getting ready to install. Can somebody please explain to me why it is so important to flush with distilled water. I can somewhat understand running distilled water in the system, but why is it so important to flush with distilled.

 

I don't think it is important to flush with distilled water, but if you do a big flush with tap water, then you will need to do a full flush with distilled afterward in order to have the system have just distilled water and coolant (equal parts) when finished.

 

08-01-2011, 09:58 AM
Special Ed

Freshman User
Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Plainfield, IL
Posts: 42


Minerals are harmful...reduced protection, reduced coolant life, increased maintenance, and premature repair. The quality of water that you use will determine the overall efficiency, reliability, and longevity of the cooling system.

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08-01-2011, 11:47 AM
Rusty Axlerod

Senior User
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Location: Alabama
Posts: 490


Not to get all "sciencey" but corrosion or rusting as it happens in your coolant system is an electrochemical process. Distilled water doesn't conduct electricity very well so it inhibits corrosion. Adding minerals, oxides, and salts (like tap water) make it a good conductor, which promotes corrosion. Most people don't realize pure water (h2o) is an insulator.
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Also, check this thread on corrosion:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...nt-filter.html

Many people flush with tap water and use distilled the last time Before adding antifreeze. Maybe tap water is all flushed out maybe not?

 

+1 for the distilled water- the water in my area is too hard. Its just not worth the risk. Distilled water is less than $1 at the local Wall mart.

 

I would use distilled water also just b/c it is very inexpensive to be sure of less minerals. I know you can buy test strips to test your tap water to see if it is ok to use.