http://fc3spro.com/TECH/MODS/COOL/cooling.htm

As per this website, you are supposed to drain your coolant system, refill it with an additive, and drive your car Is it just me, or is it common knowledge that once your guage hits H the car is FAR too hot to maintain the coolant seals, considering the inaccurate nature of the stock temp guage.

Am I wrong in this assumption?

RETed: Is there something I'm missing?

 

Maybe that's why.

 

I agree, they do have the disclaimer, but there's a difference between being controversial, and downright dangerous.

From anything I've been told, once you hit "H", it's too late.

 

I think all of the information is on the page.
Apologies if there is anything I missed - it's been a while since I've edited it's content.

Yes, it is controversial.
Since it's my first-person experience, I trust that over anyone who claims otherwise unless you show me unrefutable proof.
That is why there's a disclaimer on it.
I'm not forcing you to do it.
The information on my page is for purely informational purpose.
Like all things posted on the web...take it with a grain of salt.

I came across that method by accident.

I did keep an eye on the oil temp, which is actually more important than the water temp.

I wasn't flogging the engine - IIRC, revs never went over 3k max.
I was doing very gentle driving at the time.

Bottom line:
The engine never blew.
The coolant seals never failed.
There was no internal damage that I found - the engine was torn down shortly after for an unrelated problem.

It's the same as when we had our race car hit 250F water temps *and* oil temps.
This is not supposed to be possible.
The engine survived.
That engine was shortly torn down due to an unrelated problem - there was no evidence of heat / oil problems from the high temps seen on the gauges.
No, this is not recommended, but I've seen it with my own eyes.


-Ted

 

Alright, thanks. I'll possibly try this myself, but I'm honestly too afraid of letting the engine get that hot. Would 1/2 temp be enough to clean out the coolant passages?

 

I would not try this if you don't have an aftermarket oil temp gauge.
If it scares you, don't do it.


-Ted

 

Alright, thanks for replying Ted.