Have heard similar. Anyone have an explanation besides, of course, the obvious
(steam condensate is, by definition, distilled water--there's no way to run a
control against condensed, mineralized water--which might corrode the pipe even
faster if it could be done)? How is the condensate treated to prevent
corrosion?
At any rate, I wouldn't run distilled water--or tap water for that
matter--without at least some antifreeze, water wetter-type stuff or soluble
oil with a corrosion inhibitor.
FWIW, I've run distilled water in my BJ8 for probably close to 20yrs. When I
drain the system, the coolant is always clear except for a very small amount of
sediment, which I believe comes from the heater core which has never been
replaced or repaired.
bs
--------------------------------
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA
I can vouch for the corrosive qualities of distilled water. Steam condensate,
unless it is properly treated will destroy a condensate return system built of
schedule 80 black pipe in a matter of years. One of the classic symptoms is
grooving of the bottom run of the pipe where the condensed water actually runs
down the slope of the pipe. Very impressive destruction.
Bill Lawrence
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