coolant

[captiannapalm]

I cant remember where I read it, but what brand of coolant is recomended for the 215, and which one to avoid.

[jensenracing77]

Any of the modern antifreeze is going to be fine but I would stick with the green (or yellow) antifreeze. I am not a fan of the DexCool but I hear that they have the early issues fixed with it. I don’t know much about it and just avoid using it.

[62cutlassconvert]

Yeah, use a classic antifreeze designed for aluminum and change every 2 years.
Or, we are running Evans waterless which is expensive, but lifetime, with no breakdown and no corrosion issues with the alum.
You may have seen what neglected water based coolant will do to your eng.

That being said, there are fans and critics of Evans.

[jensenracing77]

The Evans waterless is something I have been interested in. Not sure I understand how it can cool better than water can but it is something I plan to look more at before I finish my 4 speed car. At least it is not as corrosive as water is. With a fresh dry system it may be a good time to do it if I am.

[62cutlassconvert]

Fresh system is the best way, otherwise you need to purge the system with a cleaner,also not cheap,and then fill with Evans. You need to call Evans and discuss how it cools better… Seems to work good for me.
They will also make recommendations for your cooling system.
Like I said, some swear by it, some swear at it.

[mikepoe59]

What are the biggest complaints about the Evans? I’ve heard the arguments for it, but other than cost, haven’t heard anything against it.

[jensenracing77]

I did look into this some on Sunday. They are a little misleading about the cooling. It does not absorb heat as well as water but the engine temps on many cars would not change. On some cars the engine temp will be a little higher. If your cars cooling system is just barely large enough to keep the engine cool with water then it is likely going to run hotter with Evans. I still really like the idea of using it for several reasons but not sure the Jetfire is going to like it. I will have to decide a little later if I will use it.

[62cutlassconvert]

Evans claims the temp often “looks” higher because Evans is actually making better contact with no boiling off of some surfaces. Since it pulls more heat off the surfaces it results in a cooler engine. Pure water with “water wetter” may actually cool better but of course has other major disadvantages for a street car.

I had an initial cooling problem and discovered through much advice and experimenting that the timing was too retarded at stock spec. Had my dist rebuilt and recurved for the modern gas and advanced timing out to a now 16 degrees at idle.With the recalibration of the advance curve it does not advance too much at full advance and works better through the range. Runs great, no ping, cools really well. I am running an alum rad, fan shroud, fan clutch.

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