Jim Neville Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 Another rookie question. Just wondering what brand and type everybody is using for coolant on a 1950 251 cu. in. flathead. Also, do you fill it straight up with coolant or add some water to it? Thank you. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 follow the instruction on the product label for best result for your operating climate be sure to get the correct formula....some of the new blends don not play well when comingled and leads to coagulation issues. Ask your parts counter jock for OLD SCHOOL GREEN ..... Quote
Sam Buchanan Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 (edited) 50/50 blend will lower the freezing point to 0F or below, use the chart on the jug if using non-diluted antifreeze. If your radiator is non-pressurized (open vent) don't fill higher than an inch or so below the neck so it won't slosh out. Pressurized radiator can be topped if you wish. Edited July 31 by Sam Buchanan Quote
desoto1939 Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 here is some information on AF to use in our antique cars and trucks. Use the OLD GREEN STYLE Anti-freeze style not the new extended life products. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Zerex Original Green Antifreeze .pdf Antifreeze to use in our antique cars.docx Antifreeze in classic cars.pdf Quote
soth122003 Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 Since I'm in Florida and it doesn't really freeze here I use straight distilled water. When the low temps approach I'll add about a gallon of straight anti-freeze. This also helps to keep the rust down in the block. It's cheaper than the 50/50 mix as you have to buy 3 to fill the system. Also why pay that much for premix and water when it's about a $1.00 a gallon for distilled at the store. Joe Lee Quote
Jim Neville Posted July 31 Author Report Posted July 31 Thank you for the info. The temperature when I was driving was in the mid 80's. Temp gauge was pushing it's limit when stopped. Once it cooled down I noticed I was down a bit so I added water to bring it up. Maybe 10-12 ounces. Then I thought why didn't I put more coolant in instead. Just to be safe I figure I better flush and put new coolant in. Quote
Sam Buchanan Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 I don’t think what you observed was due to coolant. There are reasons why an engine might run too warm when stopped but being less than a pint low won’t overheat a healthy cooling system. Quote
greg g Posted July 31 Report Posted July 31 (edited) Anti freeze does not do heat transfer with out water. Water cools much better than antifreeze, but doesn't provide for corrosion protection. I have been running a 70 water 30 AF for 20 years. Car doesn't go out in winter and garage doesn't get below 30 degrees. No issues. No discussion of cooling issues should be made until the how hot is hot? The gauge could be off by a good amount so verify your actual Temps so we know where to start. These older systems are ment to see their working level. If you keep refilling the amount the system is burping out, you are chasing your tail. So verify your coolant Temps, and level. An inch above the fins is sufficient. If you do not operate below 20 degrees, mix your coolant to water accordingly . Remember your boiling temp goes up with coolant is used so 212 is not your limit. Under hood and radiator Temps will go up after shut down cuz you cut off the air flow. Edited July 31 by greg g Quote
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