Topic: Antifreeze/Coolants Used In The Tropics

[MPG]

Antifreeze with glycol can cuase damage when used in hot climates, what are
you using?

[Soaring]

That's an interesting concept.  Where in the world did you get an idea like that?    A 30-70 mixture of coolant/water is ideal for the hottest of climates at 100-120 Fareinheit.  Moderate climates should use a 50/50 mixture, and very cold climates should use a 60/40 mix depending on how far the temp dips below 0 degrees Fareinheit.   
With the exception of the desert regions of Arizona where temperatures reach the 100-120 range quite often, most of Americans can use a 50/50 mix in the summer, and some Northerners need to switch to a 60/40 during the winter.   

[MPG]

Thanks for yor comment. I base my question on my findings in the Caribbean, where as a
result of the climate and our proximity to the ocean (salt water) corrosion and damage to
many automotive components is very high. In fact many water pumps are damaged by
chemicals in the Antifreeze. Example gaskets are damaged and leaks cuased when metals
are eaten like butter.

Our climate is not dry like in a Az. or eslewhere. Here many owners use water or a mix of
something, but not 50/50, 70/30 or 60/40.

Thanks again!  Anyone else have a solution?
 

[Soaring]

Thanks for yor comment. I base my question on my findings in the Caribbean, where as a
result of the climate and our proximity to the ocean (salt water) corrosion and damage to
many automotive components is very high. In fact many water pumps are damaged by
chemicals in the Antifreeze. Example gaskets are damaged and leaks cuased when metals
are eaten like butter.

Our climate is not dry like in a Az. or eslewhere. Here many owners use water or a mix of
something, but not 50/50, 70/30 or 60/40.

Thanks again!  Anyone else have a solution?
 

You have a pressurized and sealed cooling system.  There is no way that the salt water climate you describe will  affect the internal cooling system of your engine.  Sure, the salt water climate will damage the metal parts of your car that are uncovered with paint, but the internal parts of your engine will not be affected by the salt water climate alone. 

[Thierry]

 Yes, I agree with Soaring. I was in the Caribbean a few times and was wondering about the need to use antifreeze with the weather they have and I asked about it to a friend. They use a 50/50 mixture. Water contains more oxygen than coolant and it will destroy your cooling system much faster and if you add to that the effect of calcium contained in water, it's certainly not the way to go

[Thierry]

 I guess you are right too MPG. Glycol forms acid when in contact with air but it would only happen if the cooling system is not pressurized and sealed.   There is ways to check the level of acidity and some additives can prevent it from happening.
 The glycol in the antifreeze provides not only freeze protection but also boil-over protection.
Source.
It's for heavy duty engines but it certainly applies to all engines.

Edit: Who started the poll above? I hope no one will select the transmission fluid as an answer 

[MPG]

Back at you..... will tell you I have seen damage in many systems new and old and most
have damage in the cooling system. Including the water pumps and radiators. I have been told by several Tech's that most are cuased by the antifreeze in all combinations and others by the lack of some product.  Many racers use water for the race only then drain it. Others use water with some other oil etc.

I know these systems are sealed but there is something wrong with this picture.

Some body out there has the key to the right fix.

[Soaring]

Well, the "other oil" sure isn't transmission fluid.  You may be possibly talking about water wetter, a product you add to the cooling system.  It certainly works for my 65 289 system.  Try it.
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp

[Thierry]

Many racers use water for the race only then drain it. Others use water with some other oil etc.

 You didn't mention it was for race cars. If it's drained and cleaned after each race, I guess you can use the best mixture that will keep the engine cool but for a daily driver I wouldn't fill it with water or oil.

[MPG]

Thanks...I have heard of the Redline Wetter.....seems to be used around these parts.

How about No-Rosion?  A cooling system corrosion inhibitor that as well can be used with
only water in non freezing temps. We are testing their Hyerkhul product.

www.norosion.com

[Soaring]

That will work pretty much like the water wetter.  The anti-freeze, or commonly known as coolant, breaks down after awhile and forms a mild acid that eats at your cooling system.  The way to keep that from happening is to change your coolant once each year.  I change mine in the Spring around May 1st.