Antifreeze Mixture

[smcg71]

I was wondering if any one could settle an argument. While winterizing his boat my dad drained the closed cooling system on his Volvo Penta and filled it with straight antifreeze. His argument was if a 50-50 water/antifreeze mix is good then straight antifreeze should be twice as good. I thought i heard somewhere that straight antifreeze was actually more corrosive than mixed. Anyone have an answer to this puzzler?

 

[Trevor]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

the straight mix will gell and plug the cooling passages dont do it 50:50only

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

Use the same as you would in a car. 50:50 is perfect. I do have a question: will he take it out in the spring and add plain water? I'd keep the proper mix in all year long, better heat transfer, plus stuff in there to keep the water pump lubricated, etc.

 

[ob]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

You'll also get better heat transfer with a 50/50 mix.

 

[JB]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

I think this thread would better fit the I/O and Inboards Forum.<br /><br />I'll move it.

 

[Trent]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

Straight antifreeze will freeeze before the mix will. Up in the cold country the military ships it mixed.<br /><br /> Antifreeze

 

[Oil Man]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

Straight Ethylene glycol antifreeze will freeze at about -10F. Straight Propylene glycol (the non-toxic stuff) will freeze much lower (about -60).<br />Both of them work better when water is added to activate the additives.<br /><br />Dave

 

[jee70611]

Re: Antifreeze Mixture

A 50/50 mix is the best possible ratio of antifreeze and water. It is a chemical fact that a 50/50 mix will provide greater freezing point depression and cooling ability than any other combination of water and ethylene glycol. The molarity and dissociation of the ethelene glycol is the key. That is why the engineers that designed it say to use a 50/50 mix. Like others said, greater or less than a 50/50 mix will be less efficient. Hope this answers your question and ends the argument .<br /><br />James