Changing Radiator Fluid... Advice please.

[Muddy_Blazer]

Hey guys...

 

I'm going to save some money and change my radiator fluid by myself tomorrow and I want to know if it's really a bad idea to use tap water when mixing with the anti-freeze...? The guy I talked to today at the garage said regular water is fine, but I was reading something online and it says the minerals in the tap water could ruin my pipes. What do you guys think? Thanks.

[Frank S]

I've always used regular tap water and haven't had any problems.

 

If you are planning to go with an aftermarket anit-freeze,make sure you flush the cooling system thoroughly because most coolants are not compatable with Dexcool and will harm your cooling system.

[Muddy_Blazer]

I've always used regular tap water and haven't had any problems.

 

If you are planning to go with an aftermarket anit-freeze,make sure you flush the cooling system thoroughly because most coolants are not compatable with Dexcool and will harm your cooling system.

Okay, so I need to fill the system with water a few times and let it run through so it's completely flushed?

[MountaineerTom]

Yep.  Drain what's in there now.  Fill it up with water.  Start it and let it get to normal operating temp.  Drain it.  Refill again.  Start again and let to get to normal operating temp.  Drain.  If mostly clear water is all that's drained after that, you should be good and can refill with your mixture of anti-freeze/water.  If you still have a lot of coolant, just repeat until it's clear water, or mostly clear.

 

I've always used regular tap water with no problems.

 

I've been thinking lately of trying some synthetic water though.    ;)

[CMNTMXR81]

Tap water is just fine.  NEVER, NEVER use distilled water!  When you refill it with just water, also drop in a bottle of system cleaner that'll get pushed around through the system.

 

Also, you can get a flush and fill kit at the local auto parts store.