Engine coolant choice

[jacrz]

Is there any particular engine coolant type requirement for a 1974 Bronco with 302ci V8?

 

[Johnnyb]

I use generic green full strength and mix 50/50, then test to make sure.

 

[bronco italiano]

I use generic green full strength and mix 50/50, then test to make sure.

That's the stuff.
My 50 water is distilled.

 

[Speedrdr]

Out of idle curiosity, is there a difference in type of antifreeze used between aluminum and stock radiators?

Randy

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, and no. These days generally every brand and type of antifreeze is “safe for use in all metals“ as listed on the bottle.
Too many vehicles have a mix of metals, so they try to make all of them, no matter what color, compatible with aluminum and cast-iron.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I am actually avoiding distilled water now. Finding out that the water wants minerals in it. If it is stripped and pure, it will pull the minerals out of the engine. Metal erosion. Was helping a friend work on a car wash, he pointed out the worst place was the spot free rinse. With all the minerals stripped out of the water, the spray just removed metal from the car wash. Didn't rust, it is just gone. Then I found an old owners manual for a model T, it said to use soft water. The old timers knew a few things.

Science class, distilled water is the best heat transfer. Race cars use it because it is the best heat transfer and doesn't contaminate the ground when wrecked. They also don't care if the inside of the cooling system is eroded out under a year, everything is always taken apart and being rebuilt.

 

[Speedrdr]

Yes, and no. These days generally every brand and type of antifreeze is “safe for use in all metals“ as listed on the bottle.

Thanks, Paul, for the info. Have been pondering that.

Too many vehicles have a mix of metals, so they try to make all of them, no matter what color, compatible with aluminum and cast-iron.

Cast iron block…
Alluminum
AFR heads
Good to know I’m covered!

Randy

 

[bronco italiano]

I am actually avoiding distilled water now. Finding out that the water wants minerals in it. If it is stripped and pure, it will pull the minerals out of the engine. Metal erosion. Was helping a friend work on a car wash, he pointed out the worst place was the spot free rinse. With all the minerals stripped out of the water, the spray just removed metal from the car wash. Didn't rust, it is just gone. Then I found an old owners manual for a model T, it said to use soft water. The old timers knew a few things.

Science class, distilled water is the best heat transfer. Race cars use it because it is the best heat transfer and doesn't contaminate the ground when wrecked. They also don't care if the inside of the cooling system is eroded out under a year, everything is always taken apart and being rebuilt.

Where do I find soft water? I don't have a water softener at the house. That is very interesting. Yes, the old school guys had it down!!

 

[Jdgephar]

Where do I find soft water? I don't have a water softener at the house. That is very interesting. Yes, the old school guys had it down!!

You only need to soften the gallon or two you will use. Just add a salt pellet to the jug of distilled water.

 

[Johnnyb]

Get a radiator cap with a sacrificial anode dangling off of it, cover the bases.

 

[DirtDonk]

Not sure the water type is an issue until you get to de-ionized water. That type is well known for leeching minerals/metals out of a cooling system.
But if I'm not mistaken (and I could be) the pre-made 50/50 mixes that you buy under many names, is using distilled water.

By that same token, while I do try to use distilled whenever possible, once a cooling system is cleaned and as long as it's maintained as expected, it can and will stay pretty pristine over many years.
I did a real honest to goodness home flush, of the type where you need to use the second step neutralizer (strong stuff!) not long after I bought my '71 back in '76. From that time and for the next 30 years or so, the inside of the original radiator were clean and pristine every time I peeked inside.
And that was using just regular old tap water.
We don't live in a super hard-water area, but it's not known for being free of excess minerals either. Sure leaves it's mark on my household appliances!

Paul

 

[73azbronco]

50/50 premixed, end of story. All modern coolants as far as I have found, compatible with all metals. So, cheapy green mixed my choice