Cooling Systems: Theromstat Questions and More

[Maeda]

Ok, I'm admittedly retarded when it comes to these things. Help me out please.

Thermostats?
What are the advantages of having a thermostat open earlier? Doesn't the thermostat open when the engine warms up?

I'm confused.

Fluid and Caps?
Higher pressure = higher boiling point correct?
Does anybody know how well water dissapates heat versus a 50/50 mix of antifreeze? I was reading someplace, that water is a better heat exchanger then 50/50...

Anything else I can do to improve my cooling system? I'm getting a little nervous as it's hitting over 100 here on a daily basis.... I can't imagine what my track temps are going to look like when schools over....

[SirWarrior]

Don't waste your time with high pressure caps.
It doesn't really matter if you can make the water boil at 300 Deg, Its still too damn hot for your motor.
As far as the water thing, get some water wetter.
Than again Koyo's are only like $305. so you might want to think about that.

[Andrew Bohan]

having the thermostat open earlier lets the water flow through the radiator sooner, so the water in the motor isn't as hot and can absorb more heat.

[allmotorKA]

...Does anybody know how well water dissapates heat versus a 50/50 mix of antifreeze? I was reading someplace, that water is a better heat exchanger then 50/50...


Water is good by itself except that it freezes at 32F and boils at 212F. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze lowers the freezing point to like -35F and raises the boiling point to like 220F. Antifreeze will also help prevent corrosion better than just water.

[Mr. Badlose]

Pure water is always better...but stuff inside will corrode after a long time (like your water pump, and radiator) if you don't have water wetter or antifreeze. And a high pressure cap basically lets the cooling system do it's job better, it's a good idea to have one. You don't need a Greddy one if you're on a budget, Kmart or Kragen has cheapo ones with the same pressure rating (1.3 bar)