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May 20, 2005
Well, Bob, I have pretty fair sex...but that really isn't any of
your business, now, is it? (references available upon request) ;)
I ass-u-me-d the reference was to liquid detergent, too. I am an
engineer, though domestic activities are limited to...well, I've
already stated it's none of anyone's business...what the detergent
does is two fold - 1. through the nature of the covalant bonding,
contaminants are suspended in solution so they aren't deposited here
and there in the low flow areas of the coolant (and, in the sink,
they go down the drain with the water) 2. the pH of detergent makes
it a base (which is why it feels slippery between your
fingers...like some other fluids...wait, none of your business) and
as everyone knows, a basic solution will retard corrosion.
However, soap or detergent, increases the surface tension of water
so bubbles will form on any air/water surface.
One thing to point out is, in areas of local heat where the temp
exceeds the boiling point of water, drying of the surface by the
formation of a localized steam bubble will occur. Any salts in the
coolant (like those found in tap water) will be deposited on the
surface when this occurs. Subsiquent wetting after the area has
cooled will cause corrosion on that surface. While it would take,
oh, about a bizzilion years to corrode through the metal, what is of
greater concern is the reduction in heat transfer across the
corroded area, which will cause a higher temperature to occur in an
already hot spot. If that spot is on the cylinder wall, lubrication
is affected and could result eventually (considerably less than a
bizzilion years) in blow-by. A location on the head - potential pre-
ignition.
Pay the few extra bob, quid, dollors, pesos, lunies, for pure
distilled or demineralized water for your poor machine...it will
thank you later...'cause when you die, it will still be around to
please someone else...much like the ex...
Jim
"Jim" < jrblake123@... > 37120
Posted on May 20, 2005 04:19 PM
Posted to category(s) Cooling System | Cylinder Head | Engine (external) | Engine (internal) | Gauges | Ignition System | Intake System | Lubrication System | Technical Info
