Coolant:
 

Hello all:

I kinda fucked up a bit yesterday - I was doing regular maintence on my 8, checking fluids and such I accidentally left the coolant cap twisted partially open. Well today after running an errand I parked my car came back about 30 minutes later and when i started up found the "low coolant" light on in my dash. Since I had to leave for work - I topped it off with about 1 quart of straight tap water and went on my way (problem solved for the moment)

However - my 8 deserves to have 100% of the RIGHT kind of coolant, so my question is where can i get coolant that will be "perfect" for my RX8... no im not under forced induction or anything just regular street driving with the occasinal "run the shit outta the engine every now and then"

Any suggestions on brand/type of coolant i can pick up at my local autozone? How soon should I do 100% flush of the coolant system (is is super critical - dont wanna get any corrosion anywhere)

My last question is how "full" do i need to fill the coolant resivore? I know how to "burp" the system by starting the engine cold with the coolant cap off, turning the heater on and then letting it warm up via idle to operating temperature and then replace the cap.

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

Im not 100% sure, but I dont think it was that big of a deal you topped it off with tap water. Since you live in texas, your probably not under any threat of freezing temps. Im sure it will be fine for a while. But if you ive in northern texas where in the winter months it can get cold. I would definately drain the system and fill it up with the proper mix of coolant/water. Check the manual for the specific kind of coolant, cant think of it off the top of my head.

Some people say to use distilled water, but ive always used straight tap water in all of my vehicles with no corrosion.

You can probably use Prestone, but also add a bottle of "watter wetter," that will help you control temps a little better. I have a bottle of that in my car, and it really works.

thanks guys!

You are right - i never have to deal with any harsh-cold conditions here in texas, and I'm pondering a 70/30 mix of antifreeze/distilled water + a little water wetter. I've read a bit how pure water is thermally more efficient in dealing with the high temps vs 100% antifreeze. that combined with the little water wetter should make my 8 happy.

Coolant top up
 

was wondering how often do you actually need to top up the coolant water in a tropical climate or during summer time for most of you?

Also if you're concerned about your anti-icing level, you can buy a simple tool at any auto parts store to check it. The ones I've seen looks like a turkey baster with little plastic balls in it.

Don't get carried away...
 

70/30 is WAY too rich.

Even in Northern Canada we only go to 60/40%

For most places 50/50 is ideal, too much glycol won't carry as much heat as water, but any more water will start to corrode the rotor housings and radiator.

If you care about the car, use distilled or demineralized, tap water will deposit its minerals in the radiator tubes, making the whole system less efficient. Don't try to justify that "it's only a little top-up", do it right or leave it low.

S

Thank you for posting that. I have learned my lessen. Only the best for my new baby ;)

Shhhh................. you weren't suppose to let out the secret. :nono:

distilled water

short term no problem but donlt do it for long term or your engine will turn into a battery as soon as the additives in the remaining coolant fail.

Do you think the dealer uses distilled or demineralized water?

Oh, GREAT! One MORE thing to be paranoid about. :icon_no2:

What's the stock radiators capacity? I'm thinking about doing a flush.

9.8 Liters i think -- its in the manual... bascially you will need 3 of those Prestone 1 gallone anti-free premixed thingies you can get at wally-world.

I don't have my manual, lost it during my Turbo installation.. god damnit :$