Dumb question--coolant reservior evaporation
08-27-2003, 05:52 PM
#1
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Dumb question--coolant reservior evaporation
Okay, I say that if you fill your coolant reservior with water (no anti-freeze) and park your car in the sun all day on a hot summer day, that even though the reservior is sealed and pressurized, that the water will evaporate through the plastic.
My dad says that it cannot evaporate through a closed containter.
I know its a dumb question but can someone please clarify?
My dad says that it cannot evaporate through a closed containter.
I know its a dumb question but can someone please clarify?
08-27-2003, 06:01 PM
#2
Drifting
Re: Dumb question--coolant reservior evaporation
Originally posted by SigAlphAdam
Okay, I say that if you fill your coolant reservior with water (no anti-freeze) and park your car in the sun all day on a hot summer day, that even though the reservior is sealed and pressurized, that the water will evaporate through the plastic.
My dad says that it cannot evaporate through a closed containter.
I know its a dumb question but can someone please clarify?
Okay, I say that if you fill your coolant reservior with water (no anti-freeze) and park your car in the sun all day on a hot summer day, that even though the reservior is sealed and pressurized, that the water will evaporate through the plastic.
My dad says that it cannot evaporate through a closed containter.
I know its a dumb question but can someone please clarify?
08-27-2003, 06:53 PM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Actually you will lose some water through the plastic container, the hoses and even the block. It won't be much, though, certainly not enough for you to notice. As I recall the molecules break apart and then the individual atoms can migrate through.
08-27-2003, 06:58 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
Originally posted by IceShark
Actually you will lose some water through the plastic container, the hoses and even the block. It won't be much, though. As I recall the molecules break apart and then the individual atoms can migrate through.
Actually you will lose some water through the plastic container, the hoses and even the block. It won't be much, though. As I recall the molecules break apart and then the individual atoms can migrate through.
You mean to say that water (a molecule) will break down into hydrogen and oxygen (both of which still molecules technically in their stable form, H2 and O2)? I dont see that happening, there's no reason for water to want to do that. Especially in a pressurized condition. Please explain the chemistry behind that.
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08-27-2003, 07:36 PM
#8
Nordschleife Master
adrial, I'm an accountant/finance guy by training so can't give you a technical explaination of how it happens since I heard it 10 years ago and forget the details. But I was engaged in a litigation that involved the coolant lines in a nuclear plant. These were various types of exotic steel alloys. The engineers explained to me that water will migrate through the piping walls. I was surprised to hear it but they assured me it was true.
Not much will get through but it was a crazy claim that the plaintiff was making that it made him get cancer.
Not much will get through but it was a crazy claim that the plaintiff was making that it made him get cancer.
08-27-2003, 08:45 PM
#9
Nordschleife Master
Originally posted by Techmonkey
what about the overflow hose can't water evaporate through there???
what about the overflow hose can't water evaporate through there???
I've seen overflow hoses on other cars, but these were on the outside of the pressure cap. They only open in over-pressure situations so that's not evaporation.
08-27-2003, 08:52 PM
#10
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Originally posted by Peckster
I can't recall seeing an overflow hose on my car.
I can't recall seeing an overflow hose on my car.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/944/944_...83-85/pic4.jpg
It vents only in over-pressure situations or when the cap is loose.
