anti-freeze/coolant and water question

[E21_Ross]

does anyone know whether decent coolant has a higher (or lower...?) latent heat capacity than water? and what are any problems which may, or may not, arise from running a higher concentration of anti freeze?

thanks in advance,

Ross.

[stevieturbo]

pure water is tbe best coolant.

Except then stuff corrodes or it freezes.

[GreenV8S]

Antifreeze reduces the specific heat capacity of the water, but (in sensible concentrations) not by enough to make any difference.

Disolving stuff in water makes the water more inclined to stay liquid i.e. it lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point - slightly. Neither of these effects matter hugely. The 'anti-freeze' protection is primarily that the water freezes into a slush rather than a solid ice crystal, so even if it does freeze it doesn't crack the engine. The raised boiling point provides a little help to stop the system boiling but having the system pressurised makes much more difference.

Anti-freeze also contains corrosion inhibitors and should always be kept up to strength (and renewed regularly) regardless of how hot or cold things get, this is especially important on aluminium engines.

[paintman]

You might find this worth a read.
http://www.aa-academy.com/asp/info.asp?id=72

[E21_Ross]

thanks guys, all have been useful posts

[Mave]

stevieturbo said:

pure water is tbe best coolant.

Do you mean better heat transfer rate, or higher heat capacity?