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Re: Use distilled water in your radiator.

To: laifman@flash.net (Steve Laifman)
Subject: Re: Use distilled water in your radiator.
From: Roland Dudley <cobra@cdc.hp.com>
Date: Wed, 14 May 97 8:05:33 PDT
> 
> Great idea, using distilled water. Mercedes requires it in their
> manuals. Calcium deposits are not good. BUT, remember the anti-freeze.
> It not only raises the boiling point, but contains RUST inhibitors. Iron
> rusts without it, and rust is worse than calcium.
> 
> Steve
> -- 

There are additive that you can put in the radiator to inhibit rust if
you choose not to use glycol based coolants.  These additives also have
lubicants for the water pump.  Why use water only?- better heat transfer
characteristics even taking the lower boiling point into account.

As for distilled water, this is probably a good idea, but unless you
have really hard water in your area it's probably not that big a deal
for today's cars with closed cooling system.  My first car was a '48
Ford and I had to add water on an almost daily basis.  Adding water this
often can really cause calcium buildup if tap water is used.

Roland

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