Advice installing new radiator.

[brawler]

Hey guys, long time no post but life has been biz. My friend jet replaced my water pump and i am installing a new radiator from advance auto in a day or two. I don't drive my car often and have never had any overheating problem. I was just hoping to get advice on what is the best anti-freeze to use and what mix would be bees for a car that is not driven much, any additives i should use. I live in Charlotte NC. Thanks ahead of time for any input.

 

[Tnfastbk]

Standard 50/50 mix i would think would be fine.

 

[marks73]

That's what I use and I'm on the coast from you.

 

[droptop73]

A 50/50 mix will raise the boiling point over straight water and has corrosion inhibitors. While you're at it use distilled water too, it is much cleaner and will not leave calcium deposits in the cooling system.

 

[midlife]

+1 on the distilled water to mix with the antifreeze: use the green stuff.

 

[Wolverine]

While you got all the water out, might want to install a new thermostat.

Which brings up the hornets nest regarding the 351C bypass, and making sure you get the right thermostat for your application.

To get started, remove your water neck and look into the water neck hole. If you see one of these:

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-thermostat-at-block-cleanup?highlight=Thermostat

you need to be CERTAIN to replace your thermostat with a 351C.

If your current cooling situation is good, you might want to keep your thermostat or make sure you get one EXACTLY LIKE IT. Don't put up with the car parts salesman crap that the thermostat is the same.

(Search for THERMOSTAT and BYPASS and you will learn a great deal)

 

[Bill73Ragtop]

Add some Water Wetter (Redline) to the antifreeze mix. It's also a good time to check the condition of the hoses and the inner spring in the bottom one. Replace the spring if it's badly rusted.

 

[OLE PONY]

Here in Virginia the 50/50 mix works just fine.