Distilled VS. Tap for Porsche Coolant
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Distilled VS. Tap for Porsche Coolant
I recently picked up coolant from the local Porsche dealership for my 996 and noticed that I only had to buy 2 gallons for a full flush because it is not pre-mixed. My question is, should i mix it with distilled water, bottled water, or tap water? I was surprised to learn that there is a fair amount of controversy on this subject. It seems like a no-brainer that you would want to put the cleanest, most pure substance you could into your vehicles cooling system, but some people claim distilled is "too clean" and causes problems. Sounds unlikely, but was hoping someone out there might know more about this.
Three Wheelin'
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From: SF Bay Area
Oh geez...
One thing I have learned on this forum is that someone, somewhere, will always have an opinion that sparks controversy.
Water that is "too clean"?
That's a new one I hadn't even heard of yet.
One thing I have learned on this forum is that someone, somewhere, will always have an opinion that sparks controversy.
Water that is "too clean"?
That's a new one I hadn't even heard of yet.
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From: cincinnati
I think I have heard somewhere that distilled water is devoid of minerals and as a result 'leaches' them from inside your engine. It makes sense when you think about it, but I can't imagine it happens to a degree that would cause any serious problems. I'd vote distilled but I'm not an expert.
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Yeah, sounds really stupid on the surface. Apparently the idea is that distilled water can break up deposits that may have formed and clog passageways. Also, that it may react negatively with certain types of metals and certain types of coolant, especially coolant with phosphates. Porsche coolant is phosphate free, so I assume it should be no problem, but I just want to make sure. I've tried contacting the dealership for their recommendation, but phone hold times are always crazy there, so I have not been able to speak with them yet.
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It is the pink stuff, but I confirmed that it is not pre-mixed with the parts department at Porsche. The new pink stuff in the black bottles, (not the older white bottles) is non pre-mix. At $60 a bottle I am really glad it's not pre-mixed too!
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You should use the Porsche approved coolant dilution fluid. You can get it at any Porsche dealer. It runs something like $5.00 a gallon.
All seriousness aside
Use distilled water. Go to your local grocery store or Wallyworld has it for around $ 0.89 a gallon
I would buy an extra 6 gallons and do a full flush before putting back in the Porsche unicorn semen known as coolant
Use an airlift system if you can to refill, it will save you a bunch of time
Also, IIRC, the cooling system uses ~ 6 gal, so for 50/50 mix you will need another gal of coolant
All seriousness aside
Use distilled water. Go to your local grocery store or Wallyworld has it for around $ 0.89 a gallon
I would buy an extra 6 gallons and do a full flush before putting back in the Porsche unicorn semen known as coolant
Use an airlift system if you can to refill, it will save you a bunch of time
Also, IIRC, the cooling system uses ~ 6 gal, so for 50/50 mix you will need another gal of coolant
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FWIW - I use distilled water. A lot depends on where you live and what is your water supply. A lot of places have a lot of minerals, sulfur, iron and so on. Sometimes the tap water is too hard, or soft. Same with bottled water, could be a lot of minerals in there. Distillation takes a lot of that out. It is simple to pick up some distilled water at the grocery store and just use it in a 50/50 mix. Well, there ya go...might make me crazy but that's what I do.
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Also, IIRC, the cooling system uses ~ 6 gal, so for 50/50 mix you will need another gal of coolant[/QUOTE]
I am pretty sure it's 3.7 gallons for the full flush. The manual indicates that, as did the parts dept. at Porsche. Hopefully that's not wrong.
I am pretty sure it's 3.7 gallons for the full flush. The manual indicates that, as did the parts dept. at Porsche. Hopefully that's not wrong.
Last edited by JSTEW; Jul 25, 2016 at 03:12 PM. Reason: Messed up quote
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Three Wheelin'
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strange, I just bought the new pink stuff in black bottles and was told by the dealer it is pre mixed.
Nordschleife Master
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From: Mooresville, IN (Life Long Cheesehead)
I am pretty sure it's 3.7 gallons for the full flush. The manual indicates that, as did the parts dept. at Porsche. Hopefully that's not wrong.[/QUOTE]
I believe it is close to 6 gallons. Do a search for Ashai's "3 step coolant flush". It is simple and a time saver.....and use distilled water.