Dilution of Anti-Freeze Experiment

[Tigue]

I apologize if this has already been discussed.

I typical winterize the water system with 100% W. Marine #499848 (the pink stuff). Online instructions says "Do not dilute it".

So I was curious what would happen if I diluted it. So I filled up 4 water bottles.

1 with 100% water
1 with 25% anti-freeze and 75% water
1 with 50% anti-freeze and 50% water
1 with 100% anti-freeze

After 2 days in temps 25 to 19 degrees (F) the results were:

100% water completely froze. Everything else was still liquid.

Not sure this is helpful to anyone to know, but for myself I realize that a little antifreeze is better then none, but not sure why they say to not dilute?

Obviously diluted it still has some level of effectiveness.

Cheers !

[kayakerChuck]

Thanks!

I'm in Detroit, and it's not uncommon for us to have temps <0F for a week or so. Every 10 years, give or take, it might get considerably colder for a week.

[GordMay]

1. Temperatures of 25 to 19 degrees F aren't that cold.

2. You'll also dilute the corrosion inhibitors, which have been added to prevent damage to metal engine components and seals.

[rslifkin]

The pink -50* stuff is already fairly diluted. It's only about 25% propylene glycol (the rest is water and pink coloring). It won't burst a copper pipe until -50* F, but it'll burst a plastic pipe around -10* F. And freeze even warmer than that. The higher concentrations they sell need much lower temperatures to freeze, so they give dilution info for either diluting it down to the strength of the pink stuff (or you can use it straight).

[more]

Originally Posted by Tigue

I apologize if this has already been discussed.

I typical winterize the water system with 100% W. Marine #499848 (the pink stuff). Online instructions says "Do not dilute it".

So I was curious what would happen if I diluted it. So I filled up 4 water bottles.

1 with 100% water
1 with 25% anti-freeze and 75% water
1 with 50% anti-freeze and 50% water
1 with 100% anti-freeze

After 2 days in temps 25 to 19 degrees (F) the results were:

100% water completely froze. Everything else was still liquid.

Not sure this is helpful to anyone to know, but for myself I realize that a little antifreeze is better then none, but not sure why they say to not dilute?

Obviously diluted it still has some level of effectiveness.

Cheers !

if you have Volvopenta don't use this antifrezz
Volvo Penta use types of coolant: Volvo Penta coolant VCS (yellow in color) and Volvo Penta coolant (green in color). They are formulated for different generations of engines and contain different types of additives that are not compatible. They should therefore never be mixed. Always keep using the same Volvo Penta coolant that was delivered with your engine.

for example, VP d2 series use green antifreeze
and green antifreeze 100% 5 liter is so cheap i pay 15$ but this must be diluted minimum 25%

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by more

if you have Volvopenta don't use this antifrezz
Volvo Penta use types of coolant: Volvo Penta coolant VCS (yellow in color) and Volvo Penta coolant (green in color). They are formulated for different generations of engines and contain different types of additives that are not compatible. They should therefore never be mixed. Always keep using the same Volvo Penta coolant that was delivered with your engine.

for example, VP d2 series use green antifreeze
and green antifreeze 100% 5 liter is so cheap i pay 15$ but this must be diluted minimum 25%

This is correct for use in the closed cooling system, but the propylene glycol pink stuff is fine to use for winterizing the raw water system of a closed cooling engine.

[thinwater]

a. All of the freeze point information is on the internet, in table form.


b. If you dilute below 25% glycol (this product) or alcohol level it will ferment and you will play hell getting the taste and smell out of the lines. Like a bottle of wine lost under the couch. You will regret this. Common mistake.


c. If the system is complex and ice forms, ice floats and the liquid in the high points turns into just water after a few freeze/thaw cycles. I've seen pipes burst because of this. Also common.


This product is only~ 25% glycol and CANNOT BE DILUTED (see "b"). Shortcuts are expensive. You'll save what... $4?

[chris95040]

The one year I diluted the pink stuff, something grew in it and it was a nightmare.

[Orion Jim]

If you are looking to save a few bucks a gallon just buy it at an RV store or WallyWorld. You can’t dilute it where I store my boat….ever.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

The pink -50* stuff is already fairly diluted. It's only about 25% propylene glycol (the rest is water and pink coloring). It won't burst a copper pipe until -50* F, but it'll burst a plastic pipe around -10* F. And freeze even warmer than that. The higher concentrations they sell need much lower temperatures to freeze, so they give dilution info for either diluting it down to the strength of the pink stuff (or you can use it straight).

According to West Marine, their pink -50°F Engine & Water System Antifreeze is:
“Ideal for regions that experience temperature ranges between 14°F to 18°F (-8°C to -10°C);
for colder regions we recommend using non-toxic West Marine antifreeze with a -60°F or -100°F rating”
➥ https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...48?recordNum=1

[Jammer]

It is -11 F here right now and supposed to be colder by morning.


In subzero temperatures I've seen unopened bottles of pink RV antifreeze, freeze to the point where it's a very firm slush that cannot be poured. It's just soft enough that it doesn't burst the lines.

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by GordMay

1. Temperatures of 25 to 19 degrees F aren't that cold.

2. You'll also dilute the corrosion inhibitors, which have been added to prevent damage to metal engine components and seals.

I think the OP is asking about the potable water system, not the engine coolant.

When adding the pink antifreeze to your water system it will be diluted by the water that remains in the system. It is impossible to get all of the water out. Don't dilute what will be diluted anyway.

It is also important to drain your water heater before adding any antifreeze. The water heater contains a lot of water relative to the volume of the antifreeze. Follow the water heater winterizing instructions that should have come with it.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by Jammer

It is -11 F here right now and supposed to be colder by morning.


In subzero temperatures I've seen unopened bottles of pink RV antifreeze, freeze to the point where it's a very firm slush that cannot be poured. It's just soft enough that it doesn't burst the lines.

And this is the intention of pink antifreeze, it shushes not freezes hard.
Use it straight, you only need to protect the lines, and pump.
The tanks are huge, in the boat and usually at water temp.
If your on the Hard, drain the tanks and pump a couple of gallons thru the water system.
Boatyarddog

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by stormalong

I think the OP is asking about the potable water system, not the engine coolant.

When adding the pink antifreeze to your water system it will be diluted by the water that remains in the system. It is impossible to get all of the water out. Don't dilute what will be diluted anyway.

It is also important to drain your water heater before adding any antifreeze. The water heater contains a lot of water relative to the volume of the antifreeze. Follow the water heater winterizing instructions that should have come with it.

Do not fill your hater heater with pink anti freeze.
Drain it, install a bipass valve, between the lines, and Compleatly drain the Water heater, you can flow a half gallon or so into it but don't fill it.
Just wasteful and you'll have to drain it out anyway to begin to reuse it.
It ll take forever to flush it out with the water supply.
Just drain it, and bi pass.
Boatyarddog

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

Do not fill your hater heater with pink anti freeze.
Drain it, install a bipass valve, between the lines, and Compleatly drain the Water heater, you can flow a half gallon or so into it but don't fill it.
Just wasteful and you'll have to drain it out anyway to begin to reuse it.
It ll take forever to flush it out with the water supply.
Just drain it, and bi pass.
Boatyarddog

Where in my post did I say fill the water heater with antifreeze?