distilled water safe in coolant system?

[SurfSnake]

I was told that distilled water is highly corrosive and not safe to use in the coolant system, is this true? I will be changing my coolant this weekend and now Im confused on what to mix the antifreeze with.

 

[Viper Specialty]

BS... Distilled water simply has the minerals removed. Read the label on your surge tank: "use a 50/50 mix of Glycol and Distilled water"

 

[ruckdr]

Yes, for aluminum. As stated 50/50 coolant/distilled water.

 

[Marv S]

An article worth reading is at: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=27&article_id=2264

Hope this wasn't your Viper tech telling you not to use distilled water. Water alone is not good as there will be immediate corrosion but you SHOULD use distilled or deionized water mixed with coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Why? Because the minerals are what isn't good and hard water alone is bad. Some coolants are even very sensitive to hard water, which can cause some corrosion inhibitors to form insoluble salts in the water. The result is premature coolant failure. Hard water salts will deposit on hot areas within the coolant system creating insulating films, which contribute to overheating problems in the coolant system.

Even the Cat says to use distilled water.

http://www.caterpillar.com/industry_solutions/shared/marine/commercial_vessels/product_support/docs/COOLING.DOC

 

[ViperJoe]

Tap water bad, well water even worse.
Distilled water - good

 

[Alternative]

Peak brand has pre-diluted coolant, 50/50 mix. It should be available at any auto parts store (i.e. PepBoys, Autozone, etc.).

 

[jimandela]

i am swapping out mine soon for Dexcool and distilled.

good luck
Jim