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By: Jason Giacchino
Email:
offthepegs@atvsource.com
January 2007
Let's Talk Antifreeze
 Today’s topic comes to us from a variety of
alert readers who have questions about
antifreeze, and the logic behind choosing from
an ever- increasing list of available engine
coolants. No doubt due to the fact that winter’s
grip has spread across much of the country,
let’s take a look at the weird and wonderful
world of antifreeze.
We’ll start by reminding you of a truth that
you’ve certainly heard before--water disperses
engine heat more efficiently than any chemical
can. Sure it would be convenient to fill our ATV
radiators with good old H2O straight from the
garden hose but there are four fundamental flaws
in running straight water.
- Water freezes at 32 degrees F.
- Water boils at 212 degrees F.
- Water contains sediments that can build up in
your cooling system.
- Water induces corrosion of bare metal.
The freezing is self-explanatory as many
riders around the globe (myself included) are
forced to store our machines in temperatures
that dip well below the freezing point of water
for months at a time. Since modern four-stroke
mills typically operate between 230 and 250
degrees, a 212 degree boiling point would spell
disaster. Finally, while tap water looks clear
and pure, the truth of the matter is that it is
loaded with minerals such as calcium and lime
that leave behind a scaley residue as they flow.
After a few cycles, residue will inhibit the
water’s ability to make contact with the heated
engine surface thus defeating the entire purpose
of the cooling system.
For these reasons mixing distilled water with
antifreeze is strongly recommended. Distilled
water removes much of the sediment by the
distillation process (which essentially
pre-boils the water to separate the heavy
minerals). While distilled water solves the
issue of the sediment, there are still freezing
and boiling temperatures to contend with as well
as the fact that metal when mixed with water
equals instant corrosion. Enter the antifreeze
solution.
Antifreeze, or more accurately engine
coolant, is a chemical mix that relies upon
Glycol to raise the boiling point and lower the
freezing point of the water. Glycol typically
comes in two forms--Ethylene and Propylene.
Ethylene works better and costs less than
Propylene but is extremely toxic. In addition to
glycol, most coolants contain corrosion
inhibitors such as silicates which slow the
process of water’s harsh effects on bare metal.
You're probably wondering if coolant is so
effective, why mix it with water at all. The
answer is within the opening sentence of this
report: Water disperses heat more effectively
than any chemical alone. Modern engines still
benefit from water’s ability to transfer heat
away from the block but simply require
antifreeze to compliment the water’s natural
ability.
Now down to the nitty gritty: The ATV (as
well as the motorcycle industry) recommends that
you do not use automotive antifreeze in your
radiator. While this was initially viewed as
hype and an attempt for dealers to rake in extra
income in chemical sales, the truth of the
matter is that there are some benefits to
running motorsport specific coolant. The main
benefit is seal life. Because an automotive
cooling system covers much more surface area
than an ATV’s, auto antifreeze typically
contains a much higher concentration of
corrosion inhibitors which are abrasive enough
to damage smaller ATV seals. This is why many
motorsport specific coolants contain a water
soluble silicone additive to provide lubrication
to the water pump seal.
Anti-foaming properties offer another benefit
of running motorsport developed coolant in your
quad’s cooling system. Complaints that it may
cost a bit more than the readily available
automotive antifreeze are nullified by the
potential expense of a seal failure which could
contaminate your ATV’s engine oil with water.
Not to mention most motorsports engine coolants
come ready to use (already mixed 50/50) saving
you the expense of having to purchase a gallon
of distilled water.
Taking care of your engine’s cooling system
is an essential, yet oft overlooked area of
maintenance. Remember to change the fluid as
often as after every ride if you race or ride
your machine in extreme heat (such as the
desert). Casual trail riders can defer to a
change once per season. Follow these tips and
the benefits will become clear on both the
hottest days and coldest nights of the year.
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