1990 Acura Legend water in radiator

1990 ACURA LEGEND
249,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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UYHANYI
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  • 1 POST
Does running only water w/o anti-freeze cause it to boil in the radiator and evaporate like in a tea kettle ? I replaced the thermostat and filled up with only water to make sure that was the problem so I wouldn't have to waiste new coolant dumping it out again. I drive the car it's fine temp wise, but the next morning I'll see I've lost water. There aren't any leaks and the car doesn't run hot anymore. I just want to make sure the water is evaporating before I dump it and fill up with the proper new coolant before it gets really cold.
Dec 22, 2008 at 1:42 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi there,

the only way you will loose coolant be it water or preparation mixed coolant is if you have a leak in the system, under normal conditions the system is sealed and coolant flows into the surge or header tank when hot and is drawn back into the main system when it cools down, so if you are loosing coolant check with a cooling system pressure test first then a head check for internal leaks.

mark (mhpautos)
Dec 22, 2008 at 2:51 AM
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