Water vs Anti-Freeze

[danegrey]

have a question, working on the Z1Nations Track Day check list and they have a question about no anti-freeze in cooling system. Now thought it was odd, but then again first time I have seen this. Considering I have done SCCA Track Night and a HPDE long time ago, this question is never ask.

Call them and said they are not going to check, in finally inspection.

So my question is, I drive my car to the track. Should I be running simply water.

Sometimes I find these type of questions and rules silly, considering most people going to this are using there street cars?

Thanks ahead of time...

[Hotrodz]

Most organizations say no antifreeze because if there is a spill it is as slick as oil and twice as hard to clean up. I run water and a little antifreeze to keep things from rusting up. I also water wetter to keep things cool.

Also depending on the organizations if you spill antifreeze on the track they may charge you for the cleanup.

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[danegrey]

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

Most organizations say no antifreeze because if there is a spill it is as slick as oil and twice as hard to clean up. I run water and a little antifreeze to keep things from rusting up. I also water wetter to keep things cool.

Also depending on the organizations if you spill antifreeze on the track they may charge you for the cleanup.

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Damn, guess I have changes coming for next year... It would be great if everyone was on the same page... So my rule of thumb would be if doing HPDE, make sure I have water and a bit of antifreeze..

What is water wetter?

[redondoaveb]

Originally Posted by danegrey

Damn, guess I have changes coming for next year... It would be great if everyone was on the same page... So my rule of thumb would be if doing HPDE, make sure I have water and a bit of antifreeze..

What is water wetter?

https://www.redlineoil.com/waterwetter

[SonicVQ]

Originally Posted by redondoaveb

https://www.redlineoil.com/waterwetter

^^^
This is the best answer. It reduces the water's surface tension resulting in better cooling and has the needed anti-corrision additives.

I have used this in my track bikes for many years without any issues.

[2011 Nismo#91]

Worst things to drop on the track.
1. Oil/Hydraulic Fluid
2. Coolant
3. Go Pro/Car parts
4. Water

I dropped water when my coolant boiled over coming into a hard braking zone. Gave the guy behind me a code brown moment, he came up to me afterwards asking if I had dropped coolant on the track but I showed him the tank full of water. Not swapping your coolant for a track day is considered a bit of a **** move considering how easy it usually is to drain and fill, you don't need to flush the system just get most of it out. Had it been coolant it would have caused a lot more problems and wasted at least 10min of everyone's track time.

[Rusty]

In my experience. Just doing track days. Haven't come across any rules to change. Now for racing. Yes, most classes, you are required to use water. Check with the organization you are running with to make sure.

[danegrey]

Originally Posted by Rusty

In my experience. Just doing track days. Haven't come across any rules to change. Now for racing. Yes, most classes, you are required to use water. Check with the organization you are running with to make sure.

That is what I found out, this is the only event, that I have had this requirement. Thou base on the comments here, I will make the change for next year.

poor excuse in saying I don't have time.....

[danegrey]

Originally Posted by 2011 Nismo#91

Worst things to drop on the track.
1. Oil/Hydraulic Fluid
2. Coolant
3. Go Pro/Car parts
4. Water

how easy it usually is to drain and fill, you don't need to flush the system just get most of it out.

Well not sure how to say this, but I am not the most mechanically incline when it comes to these things. So in simply terms what do I need to do...

[Elmo370z]

I run 70/30 water vs coolant

[Elmo370z]

Just make sure you’re using distilled water

[Jmatchley86]

Originally Posted by danegrey

Well not sure how to say this, but I am not the most mechanically incline when it comes to these things. So in simply terms what do I need to do...

If your able to change out your antifreeze for a mixture of water with about 20% antifreeze. If this is about to become a track only car just swap it out and use some water wetter. don't do the swap and forget it over winter if your in a cold climate / no garage!! There is something to be said about anti corrosion but just a bit of antifreeze can solve that.

The reason behind this is antifreeze is very slick on track, oil being the worst. Last thing you want is a slightly darker spot on the track to become an ice hazard. And its actually really dangerous if its anywhere near track out or the apex of a turn.

Then to top it off some tracks can charge you, and it will be on the $$$ side, to clean it up. AND you just stopped the session... super popular guy in the drivers meeting / class lol.

Check all of your lines for leaks, even just a bit of dried gunk can be the sign of something worse on track. Keep in mind that everything will be getting nice hot and possibly loose.

[2011 Nismo#91]

Originally Posted by danegrey

Well not sure how to say this, but I am not the most mechanically incline when it comes to these things. So in simply terms what do I need to do...

https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2.../flush_coolant

You can skip the drain the revivor step. Rill with distilled water and a corrosion inhibitor cooling benefits, most people use redline water wetter. Repeat before to replace water with coolant before freezing weather arrives.

[danegrey]

Thanks all for the help and suggestions.......
A bit too late for the weekend...
will be on the list for winter...
leave in Knoxville TN, winters not too bad
and currently have a heated garage so that will solve no putting antifreeze back in...

Thanks again