I would not run plain water too long. Anti-freeze has additives in it that prevent the water from rusting the coolant passages in the block as well as the radiator itself.

 

Wow this thread got screwed didn't it? I was trying to ask if it was ok for a couple hours worth of driving. I got some coolant system cleaner that says to run plain water with about the one quart worth of cleaning agent for 3-6 hours of "normal" driving. I'm doing my annual coolant change along with thermostat, cap, and a few hoses and just like to be complete when I do things so I found the cleaner and figured I'd try it. Sorry it took so long to add some content to this post but I thought it was all here already

 

Are you talking about that Zerex stuff that you put in with water? If that is the cleaner you are talking about or something similar, I have heard nothing bad about doing that for a few hours. I thought you were just running water alone as a coolant. Water alone as a coolant should only be used in emergencies because of its ability to rust stuff.

 

Yes it is the Zerex stuff as a matter of fact. Is that the only kind or something? It also said to use the flush too maybe or something, is it necessary?

 

I do not know of any other flush products that you should have to use other than just the cleaner. Flush the system completely with water, add the cleaner, fill with water and off you go for a while. Just remember to put the regular 50/50 mix back in later.

 

Has anybody noticed that the parts stores are now selling pre-mixed 50/50 coolant? Price is about 75% of regular 100% coolant.

I think there are many dumb-asses out there who dont realize you have to mix coolant with water. They just run 100%, then wonder why they need a radiator replaced.

<<Not suggesting dudes on this thread are dumbasses, just commenting on ignorant public.

 

It is in some ways a good idea, I guess... from a marketing standpoint. They have to supply less actual anti-freeze and charge the same amount, if not close to the price for pure anti-freeze.

 

Same guys who bottle water and sell it for a buck a shot, I guess.

 

the only bad thing about running straight antifreeze is that it won't cool very well. Why would you have to replace the radiator?

 

Straight antifreeze is a bad idea. Water is what actually takes away the heat.

I run straight water all summer. When it gets cold, I switch to 70/30 and when it gets real cold, I go 50/50

Only problem with running straight distilled water is electrolysis and buildup forming in your coolant system. You can check for electrolysis with your DMM. Set your DMM on mili-volts or auto-ranging. Clip your negative lead onto a GOOD engine ground or battery negative. With the engine warm (legal disclaimer: warm does not mean hot) remove the radiator cap and insert the positive lead until it is in contact with the coolant. If you get a reading of <300 mv your good. Over 300 mv and your starting to get too much acid buildup, it is time to replace it. At 350 mv or higher you better flush the coolant mixture out and replace it before serious corrosion takes place. These are industry accepted values for cooling systems with aluminum components.

 

Are you serious about the DMM in coolant?? Learn something new everyday A retired CA racer declares water + water wetter is good enough, except in colder states. I haven't been brave enough to try his formula yet.