I am going through the engine bay and eliminating lots, including the ast.
My coolant is 99% water, can I just tie the 3 hoses together? This will pressurize the overflow, but that is how it is stock, correct? Already searched but didn't find anyone teeing them together.

I don't understand how the filler neck line and radiator line don't pressurize that other line, through the ast, going to the overflow.

Thanks,
Raj

 

the overflow should never be pressureized. Its their to hold the extra when the systems pressure raises too high and causes the cap to vent.

why are you running 99% water? do you have water wetter in or something? running straight water is not ideal because it corrods, freezes and boils without an additive.

If you want to remove the ast correctly you need a pressure release cap on the top filler neck that overflows to the overflow. Tying the line together from the ast without putting on a pressure cap is dangerous. and if you Y that line in with the overflow it will just pour your coolant out the overflow.

Mike

 

Right, I figured it would just pressurize the overflow and spill. But, isn't that how the stock ast is? The top line is fed by the open chamber connecting all 3 lines, uninterupted isn't it?

 

pressure cap at top of ast isolates the overflow line.

look at faq index for ast removal links.

find someone with a strong garage in wpb for sunday ....

 

Hmmm, for some reason I thought straight water, as long as it is distilled, was the best coolant during the summer months.

 

afaik straight water will corrode your engine without an additive (ie rust ect) and the boiling point of water isnt that high and can boil without an additive to raise that.

running straight water with an additive like water wetter is very popular in hot areas and drag racing because water wetter raises the boiling point and is an anti corrosive.

as far as hard facts to support this, i have none.. this is just what ive heard over the years.

someone please correct me if im wrong.

 

Yeah, straight water has a lower boiling point, but I thought it dissipates heat faster than all the above.

 

Additives like coolant and water wetter do not raise the boiling point. They are only there to prevent corrosion and lubricate the water pump (as well as freezing in the winter months). The pressurization of the coolant system raises the boiling point.

 

Straight water has the best heat transfer capabilities, but it will corrode your coolant system in no time, which is why it's best to use at least 20% coolant mix.

 

they raise it a little according to this *advertisement*, but for the most part, your right it is the pressure that raises the boiling point.

I thought this was a good read:
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/redtech3.htm

edit: sorry couldent find the word i was looking for

 

Although most of the information is valid, that's not an "article", it's a reposted advertisement from Redline...

 

As was stated straight water will corrode your system. Water being the universal solvent wants to dissolve anything that is touching it. Straight distilled water has very little already dissolved in it so it is very good at eating away your cooling system. 100% water has better heat transfer properties than water and coolant mixture, but I think the lubrication, and anti-corrosive properties of a 50/50 or 75/25 coolant and water mixture is worth the reduced heat transfer abilities in a street driven car.

 

but to anwser the question it is an old car. yea almost all newer cars have pressureized surge tanks. it helps keep air off the coolant which will shorten the life expectancy especially dexcool according to gm. straight water is only good for drinking

 

Sorry Kento, but this is NOT TRUE. Any glycol/water combo does indeed have a higher boiling point that water alone (regardless of pressure). A glycol/water mix also has a lower freezing point. Of course, we use pressurized systems to furter increase the boiling point. Water has better heat transfer capabilities though, so the idea is to use as little coolant as possible to fit your needs. Some data for you:


Boiling points at 1atm (atmospheric pressure):
100% Water: 100C (212F)
50% Water/50% C2H6O2: 106C (223F)
30% Water/70% C2H6O2: 113C (235F)

Freezing points at 1 atm:
100% Water: 0C (32F)
50% Water/50% C2H6O2: -37C (-35F)
30% Water/70% C2H6O2: -55C (-67F)


-Rob