Suggestions for water/coolant mixture for new radiator 71 440

[mbc0724]

Good morning: I am replacing my 26" radiator in a 71 440 non-AC Charger (manual transmission). The new radiator is a factory type. Any suggestions as to the coolant/water mixture when I refill? If it matters, I live in a dry climate with hot temps in the summer and mild the rest of the year (Central California). Thanks!

 

[pnora]

System should be at a complete 50-50 mix.

 

[mbc0724]

Thank you. Distilled water only? Or does it matter?

 

[WileERobby]

Distilled water is better.

 

[Don67Satellite]

If you are rolling your own mixture with full antifreeze, it is recommended to use distilled. You can also just buy the premixed 50/50.

 

[WileERobby]

But pics of your car would be nice !

 

[BSB67]

I would run just enough antifreeze for freeze protection. You could probably get away with 70/30.

 

[gtx6970]

I would run just enough antifreeze for freeze protection. You could probably get away with 70/30.

This

And yes. Distilled water is best

 

[beanhead]

50/50 regular green Prestone and distilled water works fine for me, 600HP RB, east of the Fresno area.

 

[Sam69sat]

Only buy premix if you enjoy throwing money away. Distilled especially if you have hard water where you live.

 

[mbc0724]

Thanks everyone for your input--much appreciated!

 

[mbc0724]

50/50 regular green Prestone and distilled water works fine for me, 600HP RB, east of the Fresno area.

I'm in north Fresno. 600 HP sounds great. When I get the motor rebuilt that sounds like a good number to me.

 

[mbc0724]

But pics of your car would be nice !

Will try to find something recent!

 

[khryslerkid]

And use the "Green".

 

[Kern Dog]

I would run just enough antifreeze for freeze protection. You could probably get away with 70/30.

 

[Orig69]

I myself would not move away very much from a 50-50 mix possibly 45% coolant and 55% distilled water during the summer only. Coolant provides:
1. antifreeze protection
2. corosion protection
3. lubrication for the water pump bearing
Using more than 50% coolant on a really hot day could cause the engine to run hotter than normal or even overheat depending on how much weight your pulling or how hard you drive.

 

[khryslerkid]

The more water the cooler it will run. Like already mentioned mix for your climate.

 

[mbc0724]

View attachment 1513259

Thank you!

 

[mbc0724]

Thanks again to all who replied.

 

[oldkimmer]

Flush out the block and heater core first b4 installing the new rad. Kim