Purple Ice

[sirgknight]

I was watching an automotive show on tv and saw this advertisement for purple ice. It's a product designed to add to the radiator coolant to further reduce the operating temperature of the coolant as it circulates. Just wondering if this product would be suitable for our Yanmars without water pumps. Does anyone have any input or data on this product and how it would work for us?

 

[HGM]

I would be leary of any product in the thermosyphon system.. The improper coolant mixture allows one to overheat, so it makes sense that any additive that cools the system in a "special" way would definitly cause problems(in my mind).... I wouldnt waste my money...

 

[normde2001]

It's much better to fix the problem than to try to mask it with additives.

 

[reb]

It sounds to me to be similar to "water wetter," which some on this board have recommended for thermosiphon systems.

 

[Cord]

There are several products on the market which improve the thermal conductivity of water. I believe the purple ice is made by Royal Purple which is a reputable company with a strong background in racing. If you have a marginal overheating problem or just want to be more confident in your machine, then it can't hurt.

 

[sirgknight]

Ever since adding gauges to my 1700 the temp gauge has constantly read between 210 and 230 degrees. In addition to using the gauge I also kept the original idiot light attached for extra precaution. The light has never come on, the radiator coolant has never overflowed, the tractor has never acted sluggish and in the two years that I have owned her I have only had to add about 1/2 quart of coolant mixture (60% distilled water and 40% coolant). The temp reading has me constantly concerned and I watch it like a hawk. Cord is correct about the purple ice being used in racing situations. It's not designed to cover up a problem that needs fixed but is actually added to completely rebuilt and new engine applications for extra protection. Do my operating temps indicate an underlying problem with the radiator system?

 

[pruntyc]

The right mix for the 1700 would be 70% and 30%, it will run cooler with it mixed right. You are having too much antifreeze in it, which will make it run hotter. And from where you are you shouldn't have to worry about it freezing.

 

[normde2001]

""Do my operating temps indicate an underlying problem with the radiator system?'

Yep, I'm betting you have a plugged radiator or block.

 

[sirgknight]

Norm, what steps do you recommend I take to check out your theory? How would I check the block?

 

[normde2001]

Norm, what steps do you recommend I take to check out your theory? How would I check the block?

First, make sure the outside of your radiator is not plugged with mowing chaff, (blow through it from the engine side with water or air). then back-flush the system by disconnecting the upper rad hose at the rad, run a garden hose into the upper hose and seal with rags. Turn on the water and see what comes out the upper connector, flush til clean. (You might want to unhook the battery and cover electricals with plastic). If still running hot, time for rad shop test and rod job.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Do my operating temps indicate an underlying problem with the radiator system?

Well...Personal experience here...My 1700 runs from 190 to 230 based on the ambient temp here in NC...We're hot like you are in GA in the summertime...The temp light is designed to come on around 235 degrees as the boiling point of water is 248 degrees with a 14 psi radiator cap...Keep in mind that I've added a water pump to help out...So I wouldn't worry if your temp consistently stays between 210 and 230...Just keep an eye on her and keep the radiator clean...You will be fine...I've never overheated...

 

[sirgknight]

thank yall....i have a long weekend coming up and just to be sure i will flush my system out. Radiator was completely reworked and looked like new when I bought the tractor, so i'm not expecting any problem with it. also, i keep the radiator clean from trash, etc. i wash it off after every use just to be sure, and sometimes it is completely covered with leaves, etc. when i get through mowing. i'll let yall know my results.