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Old 08-31-2015, 07:42 AM   #1
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Coolant poluted with tap water

Had to add approx 3 liters of tap water to my coolant tank due to a leak at the water pump while driving home

As I am about to change the water pump, do I need to flush and refill with new coolant/distilled water mix, or just add some more of the proper coolant?

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Old 08-31-2015, 07:48 AM   #2
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Drain all you can and refill with fresh coolant and distilled water. tap water is conductive and has minerals. The coolant has inhibitors but since you are doing the job, don't half do it!
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Old 08-31-2015, 07:49 AM   #3
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Had to add approx 3 liters of tap water to my coolant tank due to a leak at the water pump while driving home

As I am about to change the water pump, do I need to flush and refill with new coolant/distilled water mix, or just add some more of the proper coolant?
You have diluted your coolant and introduced minerals with the tap water; as you are going to change the pump anyway, I would go with fresh coolant mixed with distilled water.
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Old 08-31-2015, 07:58 AM   #4
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I was pretty sure a drain and refill was the way to go
Thanks for the confirmation
Damn, that coolant is expensive! Was hoping to save the $150 for 3 gallons
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Old 08-31-2015, 08:08 AM   #5
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I was pretty sure a drain and refill was the way to go
Thanks for the confirmation
Damn, that coolant is expensive! Was hoping to save the $150 for 3 gallons
Look at the coolant cost this way: Go with fresh and distilled water and you don't have to think about it for another 5 years or so. On that basis, it is not expensive.
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Old 08-31-2015, 08:56 AM   #6
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If you want to save a little money, buy VW coolant.
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Old 08-31-2015, 10:27 AM   #7
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Mercedes-Benz coolant is also a good choice, IMO. Retail comes as Zerex G-05, golden-colored.
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Old 08-31-2015, 11:30 AM   #8
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It's $35 a gallon from Sunset Imports, versus $50 at most dealers. However, if you don't do a full flush you won't need as much. You will get about 3 gallons from the coolant drain plug (make sure to replace the crush washer), the other 2-3 gallons would require you to disconnect one of the heater core lines, and the lower radiator hoses (or you could jack the front of the car up higher than the rear as you drain it).
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Old 08-31-2015, 07:59 PM   #9
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I have many friends who run regular tap water mixed with Prestone concentrate in their cars with absolutely no issues. Unless you live in a rural area where water is pumped from a well, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I believe Lotus manuals even say to use regular tap water.
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Old 09-01-2015, 06:49 PM   #10
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Flush and refill with OEM coolant and distilled water. Simple and guaranteed no risk.
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Old 09-01-2015, 06:59 PM   #11
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to have to spend $150 on coolant is borderline criminal
I ain't gonna use anything except for distilled water. At Wallyworld, a buck a gallon.
For $3.00, it simply isn't worth it to use tap water

The new WP, thermostat and coolant came in today and I'm borrowing a airlift to fill her up after I replace the parts this weekend
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Last edited by JayG; 09-01-2015 at 07:10 PM.
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Old 09-01-2015, 07:55 PM   #12
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Flush and refill with OEM coolant and distilled water. Simple and guaranteed no risk.
When I am flushing my cars, after draining the old fluid I fill the system with destilled water, run the engine until the thermostat opens, let it cool, drain (repeat..) until the water comes completely clean..

Thereafter, I fill it with a mix of the OEM coolant mixed with destilled water (never tap water).
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Old 09-01-2015, 07:59 PM   #13
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My car has had non-Porsche (green) coolant in it for the past 50k miles. I recently did the WP and everything combo too, and chose to go with Prestone. Haven't had any problem so far.

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