Overheating problem.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by digital rules

Isn't tap water potentially bad for the cooling system? I have always been told to use distilled water only.

Distilled water is necessary for batteries. Plain water is OK for a radiator, providing the ambient temp is not freezing or excessively high. That's why coolant/antifreeze is added to water. It protects against freezing or boil over.

I can't imagine why anyone would tell you that. If they did, they were confused.

[digital rules]

Hard water can be problematic for the system, especialy the radiator. (Electrolysis & corrosion) Pre-mixed anti-freeze uses distilled water for this reason.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by Baltothewolf

XYZ, you think I was jerking you around?

You are understandably frustrated in your attempts to diagnose the problem. If you slow down and check each step thoroughly you might find something you overlooked. Everyone here is eagerly trying you help you - but we all get caught up in hasty responses and misunderstandings.

I don't hold grudges, so let's continue with trying to solve your problem.

Who did the alteration of the wiring with the wire nuts? Was it you or the previous owner?

I'm not familiar with your particular car's design, but usually a cooling fan is activated by sending 12v to the fan motor, and the other leg is routed to ground. As such, there is no polarity to be reversed. Also, electrical connectors are unidirectional, meaning they only fit together one way (unless someone altered the original wiring).

Did you happen to install the fan itself backwards? I'm not being facetious in asking. I don't know if that is physically possible, but it is a plausible possibility. Regardless, if the fan is running it's still providing some cooling in blowing air through the radiator, as opposed to the fan not running at all.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by digital rules

Hard water can be problematic for the system, especialy the radiator. (Electrolysis & corrosion) Pre-mixed anti-freeze uses distilled water for this reason.

I see you are from Northern Virginia. West Virginia has some notoriously "hard" water. That situation doesn't apply to everywhere else, however.

Pre-mixed anti-freeze is a very recent marketing item. Previously, everyone mixed the concentrate with ordinary water, depending on the amount of freeze protection needed.

[XYZ]

Here is a discussion of an overheating problem that sounds similar or identical to yours:

CLICK HERE

[j12piprius]

Originally Posted by digital rules

Hard water can be problematic for the system, especialy the radiator. (Electrolysis & corrosion) Pre-mixed anti-freeze uses distilled water for this reason.

I have read the labels for all premix antifreeze that I've seen, and NONE of them have used distilled water in the mix. For that reason, in addition to premix 50/50 being almost double the cost, I always get 100% antifreeze and mix in an equal amount of distilled water myself. I see no reason to ever purchase 50/50 premixed antifreeze, and think it's a bad idea to do so.

[j12piprius]

Originally Posted by XYZ

Here is a discussion of an overheating problem that sounds similar or identical to yours:

CLICK HERE

As mentioned there, changing the hoses is a very important thing to do too.

I changed mine with silicone hoses, however they are more expensive.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by johnlvs2run

I have read the labels for all premix antifreeze that I've seen, and NONE of them have used distilled water in the mix. For that reason, in addition to premix 50/50 being almost double the cost, I always get 100% antifreeze and mix in an equal amount of distilled water myself. I see no reason to ever purchase 50/50 premixed antifreeze, and think it's a bad idea to do so.

True. It was a way to make the gallon the jug seem to cost the same while reducing the actual product present in a diluted mix. It's effectively an inverse price increase, and some folks didn't notice.

Also it's to accommodate people who can't comprehend English or follow the instructions on the back of the container.

[Baltothewolf]

Well that's it, overheating problem solved! I just went to my buddies house that I have never made it to in the insight without overheating and sure enough, arrived at 199F and the engine never got over 203. Sorry XYZ, you were wrong.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by Baltothewolf

Well that's it, overheating problem solved! I just went to my buddies house that I have never made it to in the insight without overheating and sure enough, arrived at 199F and the engine never got over 203.

Congratulations! When are you taking your Dad? Do you mind if I chip in?

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