Jeez, I should just stay out of this one. But I found an interesting URL
at
http://www.vtr.org/maintain/lubricants-redline.html
which is a synopsis of an old interview with a RedLine spokesman. Lots
of interesting data there but pertinient to this discussion:
*********************
Coolants
Red Line Water Wetter is a surfactant - reduces the surface tension of
the water. Allows the water to more intimately contact metal. When the
water boils, the surfactant makes smaller bubbles, which makes it easier
for the bubble to be pushed away from the metal surface, and allow more
water to contact the metal.
Water Wetter has a high Ph, but also has silicates, so it can be used in
aluminium radiators. However, if left for a long time, the silicates are
depleted, and damage will occur. The liquid versions of Water Wetter do
not have phosphates.
Discovered by Roy Howell. Some engineers were begging Roy to develop a
corrosion inhibitor to add to straight water for racers, since racers
rarely use AntiFreeze. He did some work, developed Water Wetter simply
as a corrosion inhibitor, and gave it to Huffaker. Huffaker immediately
noticed lower operating temperatures, and Roy started to investigate
why.
You *can* cool an engine too much. The ideal temperature for coolant is
190 F.
AntiFreeze has 1/4 heat transfer capability of straight water.
Temperature recordings at block water jacket exit, after stabilizing:
Water Anti-Freeze Water Wetter Temperature (F)
50% 50% No 228
50% 50% Yes 220
100% 0% No 220
100% 0% Yes 202
*********************
Bob Allen, Kansas City, '69CGT, '75TR6
Christopher M. Delling wrote:
>
> thomas_pokrefke@juno.com wrote:
> >
> > I forgot where I learned this from, but I remember being told that a
> > single drop of dishwashing liquid (ie- Palmolive, Dawn, et al) in the
> > radiator breaks the surface tension of the water.
<snip>
> Thomas James Pokrefke, III
> > 1970 MGB
> > thomas_pokrefke@juno.com
> > http://ocean.st.usm.edu/~pokrefke
> I have seen a rather tasteless joke -- Fuzzy Zoeller
<editorial snip>
> Redline
> Lubricants Inc. makes a product called Water Wetter. I have used it in
> my cars, and have seen a measurable difference - although some on the
> list do not believe it. At any rate, I am convinced that it does work,
> and that it is harmless to the cooling system. FWIW,
> Chris Delling
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