Pure water vs coolant on the track

[cat007]

Hi all.


Just wondering if anyone has tested running pure water vs coolant in the same car on the track and recorded what the temp reached for each?


My FGX XR6T gets overheated on the track after not many laps and was wondering if running pure water, instead of coolant, for higher thermal efficiency is an idea to get a bit more out of my stock cooling system, without having to buy a larger radiator?


Cheers
Hunt

[superyob]

Some years back, I was having trouble with a constantly overheating 302 (at idle). Upon advice given to me by forum members, I drained the coolant containing ethylene glycol and refilled with a product that did not contain glycol. My running temperature dropped by at least 5 degrees...

[my67xr]

You could try Redline Water Wetter
https://www.automegastore.com.au/red...hoCXBIQAvD_BwE

[Tassie f100]

Guess the easiest way to find out is to drain the coolant and replace with some plain tap water.Give it a good workout and see what happens

[Bossxr8]

Needs a corrosion inhibitor as well.

[superyob]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

Guess the easiest way to find out is to drain the coolant and replace with some plain tap water.Give it a good workout and see what happens

This will work but I would fill with distilled water...

[cat007]

Originally Posted by my67xr

You could try Redline Water Wetter
https://www.automegastore.com.au/red...hoCXBIQAvD_BwE

Yeah saw that. Might try that at track day with deionised and demineralised water. It has a corrosion inhibitor as well:


https://www.redlineoil.com/content/f...ech%20Info.pdf

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Needs a corrosion inhibitor as well.

And there is a potential problem.If the engine runs cooler with plain water you have answered your question, but could have long term problems unless you empty and refill after track days (which isn’t a big problem).As far as running track runs you don’t need inhibitor.

[roKWiz]

Haven't heard much on the waterless coolants lately or was that a passing fad.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Needs a corrosion inhibitor as well.

Originally Posted by my67xr

You could try Redline Water Wetter
https://www.automegastore.com.au/red...hoCXBIQAvD_BwE

These two products should be added to your water if you are discarding coolant.

[coo]

Double edged sword.


Gycols are slower to absorb and release heat. But have a higher boiling point.


Plain water will trigger corrosion, especially in aluminum radiators.


The last thing you want is boiling esp around the head.


You haven't mentioned actual temperatures being recorded and where.



Is the tune (lean and ignition timing??) contributing to the heat?


Maybe do some maths; volume of coolant, vs gycol mix ratio, vs wanted boiling temp (under pressure). Then adjust your mix.

[Vesper Martini]

Penrite race coolant?

[Blue Dog]

Originally Posted by cat007

Hi all.


Just wondering if anyone has tested running pure water vs coolant in the same car on the track and recorded what the temp reached for each?


My FGX XR6T gets overheated on the track after not many laps and was wondering if running pure water, instead of coolant, for higher thermal efficiency is an idea to get a bit more out of my stock cooling system, without having to buy a larger radiator?


Cheers
Hunt

The factory cooling system is NOT designed for track days.

[hawke]

When glycol levels get to 30% or more, the heat transfer ability is reduced. For racing purposes, about 10% will give you a good balance between heat transfer, raised boiling point, and some corrosion protection. Water wetter will help as well.

Depending on where the water temp sender is located, sometimes, increased exhaust temps when racing will fool the sender to register a higher temp to the gauge. Check those temps with a temp gun in the pits when you get back to confirm the gauge reading.

Just my experience in running race cars over the last 20 years. Hope it helps.

[Pis-ton broke]

you could try a soluble oil and water mixture, i have in one of my engines.

[gooseneck]

Put two small radiators in each wheel well with small fans on them and duct the air into your brake discs. Flip a switch inside the car whenever it gets too hot or do it automatically with a thermostatic switch or arduino.

Then if that doesn't reduce your temps add a bigger radiator.