3

I just replaced my radiator today and decided to refill it with coolant concentrate and mix in water myself. Instead of mixing the stuff properly before hand, I poured in 1/2 gal. of water directly into the radiator, and then proceeded to pour in 1/2 gal of coolant in and it filled up only after pouring in 1/4 gal.

Q. Do I have to mix the coolant beforehand or can I count on it mixing in the radiator? Also, will my pipes freeze/crack overnight (it's 29° f tonight) if there is like 60% water and 40% coolant?

harvey
  • 326
  • 2
  • 4
  • 15

2 Answers2

1

I'd need the vehicle year and model to know the exact total system capacity, but I'm guesstimating that's somewhere around 3-5 gallons.

You have added 3 quarts at a non-ideal "top-off" of 66% water and 33% coolant.

Assuming the worst case (your total capacity is only a few gallons) your overall coolant ratio is still probably fine to far below your expected temperatures.

Now if this a Mahindra Exedar 333 Elite you plan to ship to the Columbian Ice Fields (specifically, the 820cc diesel hybrid), I would consider draining a bit and adding more unmixed glycol.

That's a joke; you're fine.

As an important aside, "wind chill" does not affect vehicles. I had a long argument with an "adult beverage patron", which I ultimately lost, due to my own folly in engaging in the first place. As my mother was fond of saying, "Never try and teach a pig to sing. You get nowhere and it annoys the pig."

SteveRacer
  • 12,432
  • 2
  • 26
  • 47
1

The engine will blend the water and concentrate mixture, once it's started. Typically you should start the engine after you poured the fluids in. Whenever you replace the coolant certain amount of air remains trapped in the loop. After an initial filling, starting the engine helps to bleed out that air. The air comes out from the radiator cap. You will observe that the coolant level has gone down after the initial start.... Top it up and run the engine again until there is no air left in the system. A few sharp revs help bleed the air out fast. Your system is completely filled when coolant is up till the brim of the radiator cap.

About the mixture : A 50/50 blend is preferable but it varies for different coolant manufacturers. Check the lable, the coolant has a temperature rating for it's mentioned blend.

Arka Patra
  • 251
  • 1
  • 6