gt4awd

When I swapped the radiator and installed the new heat exchanger I decided to use a lower ratio of coolant to water. Around 30/70... We had a big snow storm yesterday and the c32 kept cutting out due to IAT in 1F temperature. Figured the intercooling system must be frozen. This morning went out and opened up the reservoir. Frozen to a sludge. Thinking I'll have to buy an industrial butane heater and run in on the engine for an hour or so and then add coolant.

Newzchspy

Not good!!! You could easily crack the IC and HE?? What were you thinking???
YOu can run that ratio less down south or in the summer BUT at 10 degrees F or so??? It ain't worth the tiny extra bit of performance if any!!

ScottW911

I'd laugh if this wasn't so sad.

What was the thinking behind the 30/70 mixture? Saving money on coolant or some performance enhancement?

mrobinso

I was wondering the same thing... I mean we can't really give you too much of a hard time because you obviously are kicking yourself for doing this. But regardless, what gives? Were you thinking of doing the 30/70 to enhance performance or because you didn't have enough coolant on hand?

c32AMG-DTM

Sounds like lesson learned...

...so to brainstorm: couldn't you just let the vehicle idle, parked, until your coolant is fully up to temp and the engine bay is toasty. Since the IC sits in the V of the engine, I can't imagine there'd be any frozen material in it. Then slowly drive around, getting on the throttle enough for the S/C to kick on. The heat would loosen up the ice through the entire IC circuit. Also, is your isolation kit easily reversible? If so - maybe just "de-isolate" for the winter?

Yeah - it would waste a lot of gas - but it might save a pricey repair.

Just a thought.

gt4awd

I did the 70/30 mix for increased cooling. It's extremely rare for temperatures to get below 20F where I'm at. We had a big snow storm blow through... The intercooler isolation is setup with valves so yes, I can de-isolate, and did do so last night when it started acting up. I just bought an industrial butane heater to warm the engine up. Don't want to start the engine with a frozen coolant system. Might blow the coolant pump. Hopefully the brand new CM30 I just put in is still good after this...

moosejaw

Id thake the bus till things at least warm up

Newzchspy

Yes, the E Cinco Cinco BUS!!!

We were -10 today (static temp, not wind chill) and I never run less than 50/50 in the winter. A lil extra coolant/antifreeze never hurts except in summer when the 30/70 you ran is probably fine.

More antifreeze is not always better. Antifreeze's key ingredient is glycol, and it works best at a 50 to 70 percent mixture with water.

For example, coolant made up of half antifreeze and half water will have a freeze point of -34 degrees F. Pure antifreeze freezes at about 12 degrees F.

Don't start that baby till you're sure its totally thawed................

Quicktwinturbo

My gawd.. Past few days were CRAZY.... Schools were closed tho

C32Dan

put some methyl alcool in it will help putting the waters back to liquid, we run into this in 60 to 40 mix in the great white Canada, let it sit for a couple of hours before idling for 1 half hour

c32AMG-DTM

Apologies - didn't realize your entire cooling system was frozen; thought you meant just the isolated IC system was. Heating everything up before starting sounds like the way to go... good luck.

Newzchspy

Where can one get methyl alcohol for this?? I was wondering if I can supercharge my window washer fluid by using some type of alcohol added to the solution I buy??? Will it hurt paint??

gt4awd

Today high was mid 30's to low 40's, and there's snow melting everywhere. Unfortunately the C32 is a different story. Looks like I'll be using that industrial "flame thrower" to do some defrosting. If not would probably have to let her sit a few more days. There was enough antifreeze to prevent full freeze, so it's more of a slush. Hopefully with that in mind there wasn't enough expansion to damage the radiator, heat exchanger, intercooler, or any of the coolant lines.

Newzchspy

Lesson learned??

gt4awd

I sure hope so, but with my c32 who knows. If I can avoid all of this it'll be great.

1. Damaged coolant pump.
2. Damaged intercooler pump.
3. Damaged intercooler.
4. Damaged radiator.
5. Damaged heat exchanger.
6. Damaged lines.

Newzchspy

OT, BUT found this for making your own windshield washer fluid:

Windshield Washer Fluid



Ingredients:
3 cups Isopropyl alcohol
1 tablespoon Liquid detergent or SOFT SOAP
10 cups Water

Directions:
1. Pour alcohol and detergent into a clean gallon size plastic jug. Add water, cover, and shake well. Label. Cap tightly. Keep out of the reach of children.

2. To Use: Shake well. Pour into your car's windshield-washer compartment.

3. Variation from More Make Your Own Groceries: 3 c rubbing alcohol 4 c water Several drops blue food coloring 2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent.

gt4awd

The C32 defrosted completely by nighttime yesterday. No damage to anything...