First time for Coolant ?

1949mercury

Senior Member
First time putting coolant in my Flathead & heater core. Just got it hooked up yesterday. Should I just run water and flush it out or put a 50/50 green coolant mix and see how it goes? Thanks for the help.
 

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I agree but recommend (1) don't run plain water too long before getting some anti-corrosive protection and water pump lubricant in there, and (2) whatever antifreeze/anti-corrosive you finally put in, mix it using distilled water rather than tap water .... available at the supermarket; it's not expensive. Some may use premixed coolant but I don't think its worth the higher cost not to mix your own.

Also, if you have i.e. an aluminum radiator, it needs a special coolant.
 
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Thank you. All stock radiator and motor. I have heard about the distilled water sounds like a good idea. Was thinking about buying the premixed will have to think about that one.
 
I like to mix my own so it reads -50 on my antifreeze tester, our weather here is cold, have had -35 to -40 in the past.
 
I got 3gl of green concentrate antifreeze & 3gl of distilled water and a bottle of water wetter will see if I have any leaks & look for gauges later.
 
Buy a digital temp gun even if you did have gauges.
You can check the temp of water at top and bottom of radiator.

ttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Infrared-Temperature-Temp-Gun-Thermometer-Non-Contact-IR-Laser-Point-USA/112556229268?_trkparms=aid%3D555019%26algo%3DPL.BANDIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150817211623%26meid%3D88d7ce8433284ab8ad408f197107f5e1%26pid%3D100505%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26&_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226
Suggest you check to see if any links you post actually work before posting.
And what's with the nonsensical bold type??
 
Harbor freight has a digital heat gun for reasonable price. Every body should have one.
 
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PS: When I was a youngster I used to let insignificant things annoy me.
As I matured, I learned not to sweat the small stuff.
Sounds like something that comes with old age.
A transition from being the 'annoyed' to being the 'annoyer' :):D
 
I'm about 80 and too stiff to put my foot in my mouth. I find I should say what I intend to say two times to myself, sleep on it, then finally say it out loud. Just need to convince the Lady of the house to do the same.
 
Thanks for the info. I will look at harbor freight I like there 20% off. Also have a buddy looking to see if he has any gauges laying around he doesn’t want. Took 4 gallons already and haven’t even started it up. Can you run mechanical temp gauges and the stock electric gauge ? I don’t think you can just wondering.
 
Can you run mechanical temp gauges and the stock electric gauge ? I don’t think you can just wondering.
Yes, you can run both stock and mechanical gauges.
The problem is, just how innovative you can be finding or creating a place to mount the sending units.
For example, I am running metal upper hoses (like pickup trucks) and the sending units are mounted in them.
 
That’s nice. I saw some pictures of the thermostats in the water necks.

I also got a 4lb radiator cap tonight. The guy also gave me some Mercury Door sill plates ��
 
I got a infarometer from Harbor freight temp was around 200. I have a crack in my thermostat housing need to get a new one. Now I was wondering what is the best one to get. Stock, chrome saw some with studs instead of bolts. Also my thermostat looks pretty outdated.
 

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