Coolant / Water %

[DK]

I changed the coolant along with all other fluids this time last year.

For coolant, I used the GM alumninum friendly fluid straight - without adding any water. Why, I do not know.

A couple of days ago while cleaning out the shop I came across the coolant container & read the label which told me to add at least 30% water.

Twelve months and 14,000 miles later, I'm asking if running the GM coolant fluid straight has been harmful? I have not experienced any cooling problems.

My intention is to remove some coolant &  add some distilled water.

Have I damaged anything?

Dan

[Dak44312]

The biggest reason is probably for freeze protection. Pure antifreeze will freeze solid at a temperature not much lower than pure water.  Depending on your location, anywhere from 30-50% water is usually recommended.

That being said, I remember reading that mixing water actually enhances the corrosion protection. You wouldn't think introducing oxygen into the system would have that effect, but there is science behind it that's more advanced than my 2nd grade brain.

[98valk]

straight up will cause the engine to run much too hot, whereas could damage upper cylinder wall, warp cylinder heads, cause head gasket to blow, over pressurize the cooling hoses, etc.
50/50 is the norm. read the antifreeze charts to see if u actually need 50/50.
I use evans cooling, which uses zero water.

is the GM product silica free? if not, your water pump will be eaten alive.

[..]

Honda auto dealers have a 50-50 silica free pre mix.

[MarkT]

I went to Evans waterless coolant years ago, on BlewByYou (wing), Deerslayer (standard), Jade (tourer) and about to put it in George (blown bobber).  No more cooling system maintenance and no more corrosion.  Done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7PykrgzWPQ

[Ricky-D]

You have damaged nothing. Just dilute the antifreeze with some water and you'll be good to go!

***

[Led]

The biggest reason is probably for freeze protection. Pure antifreeze will freeze solid at a temperature not much lower than pure water.  Depending on your location, anywhere from 30-50% water is usually recommended.

That being said, I remember reading that mixing water actually enhances the corrosion protection. You wouldn't think introducing oxygen into the system would have that effect, but there is science behind it that's more advanced than my 2nd grade brain.

I agree!!!!!   LOL!!!!   To keep antifreeze from freezing..........you add something that freezes!!!  I  still have never figured that one out yet, but somehow it all works out.........

 

[Gryphon Rider]

The freezing point of pure ethylene glycol (EG) is 10.4°F, but drops to -49°F if it is 60/40% EG/water.  As long as you didn't try to start the bike at 11° or below, you should be okay.  If pure EG freezes, I think you will be okay if you don't turn the engine until it thaws, because it is only water that expands when it freezes; everything else contracts.

Related article

I have run Evans NPG+ coolant (designed to be used without water) in my Valkyrie since the first recommended coolant change mileage, and have not changed it since.  I also modified the radiator cap for zero pressure.

[Paladin528]

the mix water and coolant is a balancing act of freeze point and boiler point.  Too much water and the coolant will freeze at a higher temperature.  to much coolant and it will boil over at a lower temperature.  There should be a chart on the jug that gives the values for mixing the coolant.  I just did mine using the Honda Stuff and it is explained perfectly on the bottle.

[Savago]

I just use Honda recommended pre-mixed coolant. No worries about mixing with water and I can trust that Mother Honda knows how to take good care of their own engines.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089LSFJ0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage


Savago