water for 50/50 coolant mixing

[superba]

Hi All,

I believe what we have here is a failure to communicate.  Perhaps there is
confusion over the labelling of water.  Disclaimer:  I'm no expert on
chemistry.  Having said that, the most important aspect is to use water that
is free of minerals.  Minerals cause liming of radiators and boiler tubes
eventually insulating the heat exchanger and, in severe cases, actually
blocking passages.  Real distilled water contains little or no minerals
because it is produced by evaporation and condensation.  Unfortunately, in
the places where I buy it, distilled water is on the same shelf as the
mineral water, duh.  More unfortunately, many workshops and gas stations
still top off coolant tanks and radiators with tap water, which in some
places is very high in minerals; Morgan Hill, CA, for example.

I use 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water.

My .02.

Cheers!

Jim Jordan