coolant Q:

**xmarkx** · 10-26-2010, 02:02 PM

I went to go to the parts store to get a new water pump because mine is leaking. when I was leaving I asked the guy if there is any coolant he recomends. he told me that unless I'm taking my car somewhere where the temp gets freezing that I should flush my system and use distilled water along with replacing my petcock with this plug that contains zinc. he said this is the best option.

anyone have any opposing thoughts on this?

**c5z28** · 10-26-2010, 02:26 PM

The drain petcock doesn't go anywhere it just turns and pops out, when you're done you push and turn it back in. I didn't see him recommend any particular coolant. Either use the recommended dexcool or if you choose to use ethylene glycol instead make sure to use the block drains to help flush the old stuff out. You'll never get all the old stuff out but you don't want to much ethylene glycol and dexcool mixed. If you have questions about which coolant is better there are tons of threads debating this just read up on them and decide for yourself.
Using straight water is a bad idea.

**xmarkx** · 10-26-2010, 04:08 PM

hatsthat's what I thought about the petcock which is why I specifacly asked if I was supposed to take it out to put in this zinc plug...
I'm more confused now.

he also said the distilled water is different then tap water and purified water in that it is less corrosive to metal. he said that added with the zinc plug that there would be little corrosion and it would be better then dexcool

**Wesman** · 10-26-2010, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by xmarkx

hatsthat's what I thought about the petcock which is why I specifacly asked if I was supposed to take it out to put in this zinc plug...
I'm more confused now.

he also said the distilled water is different then tap water and purified water in that it is less corrosive to metal. he said that added with the zinc plug that there would be little corrosion and it would be better then dexcool

The problem with water (even distilled water) is that it doesn't have the necessary corrosion prohibitors, water pump lubricants, and freeze/boil over protection as coolant. This is why its best to use 50/50, which is 50% coolant and 50% distilled water.

I would just buy Dexcool 50/50 and use that, I've had good luck with it.

**pajeff02** · 10-26-2010, 05:04 PM

Dexcool mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Not a bad idea to drop your block drains and perform a good flushing of the system. The driver side block drain is above the alternator -- takes a 17 mm allen head socket. The passenger side drain is located above the starter and although it is probably metric, a 5/16" allen head socket fit best for me. Do not use a chemical flush -- just run clean water through the system until it flows clear.

**xmarkx** · 10-26-2010, 05:28 PM

thanks for the advice guys. I'll stick to what you guys are saying plus I'll add some water wetter.

**pajeff02** · 10-26-2010, 06:05 PM

Also, don't forget to clean out your overflow tank. They tend to get quite nasty.

**xmarkx** · 10-27-2010, 12:43 AM

ok, great. I didn't even think of that. since I'm putting on a new pump I might as well put in new hose and thermo too. repairs always seem to snow ball on me!