Best water additive?

kchakkar · 23 Sep 2006 at 12:36

I have read that using water wetter will cause staining on the tubes. Is distilled water 90% + anti-freeze 10% the best solution?

Cob · 23 Sep 2006 at 12:50

Distilled water and Valvoline's Zerex Racing Coolant is meant to be the best combination. I've got a small bottle of it but haven't got around to changing my coolant yet.

MikeTimbers · 23 Sep 2006 at 15:52

The best additive is none. None of the additives will improve the coolant's performance so if you do not have mixed metals and have sterilised your system, the only thing worth putting in is a little iodine to kill anything which tries to grow.

kchakkar · 23 Sep 2006 at 18:14

MikeTimbers said:
The best additive is none. None of the additives will improve the coolant's performance so if you do not have mixed metals and have sterilised your system, the only thing worth putting in is a little iodine to kill anything which tries to grow.

Is iodine available from Boots?

MikeTimbers · 23 Sep 2006 at 18:16

Could well be. Quite easy to get from most independent chemists.

caister · 23 Sep 2006 at 18:32

I know this may sound stupid but how do you work out if you have mixed metals? What about the barbs on dangerden blocks can they be classed as a different and perhaps reactive metal from the copper block?

DaveMac · 23 Sep 2006 at 18:54

caister said:
I know this may sound stupid but how do you work out if you have mixed metals? What about the barbs on dangerden blocks can they be classed as a different and perhaps reactive metal from the copper block?

Depends on the metals used and how far apart they are in the anodic index, google galvanic corrossion for more info.

weescott · 23 Sep 2006 at 18:58

Bundles uses tap water and has done for years. The water up here is pure you see!

Although I haven't heard from him for a while so maybe his PC exploded! :eek:

caister · 23 Sep 2006 at 19:08

I dont think i trust my chemistry skills enough so ill just put a bit of zerex in when i change my setup next week!!

kchakkar · 23 Sep 2006 at 19:20

caister said:
I know this may sound stupid but how do you work out if you have mixed metals? What about the barbs on dangerden blocks can they be classed as a different and perhaps reactive metal from the copper block?

I thought that mixing copper with aluminium was not advisable. Nickel is ok though because it is not as re-active as aluminium.