coolant to water mix?

1989 FORD F-350
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JOHNNYNEGAUNEE
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Heater problem
1989 Ford F350 V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic
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What happens when a 30% ethylene glycol/water mix freezes?
Specifically does such a mix have enough glycol in it to offset the expansion of the water or does it need to be stronger? Blockages from frozen fluids are not a concern, expansion is though. Vehicle is in cold storage, could see -30 F
Dec 27, 2007 at 2:52 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Use a hydrometer that measures how cold the antifreeze can handle. Should be a 50/50 mix.
Dec 27, 2007 at 3:47 AM
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JOHNNYNEGAUNEE
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Use of a hydrometer is how I arrived at the stated 30% number, what I really want to know is does the glycol contact enough during freeze-up to offset the water expansion. You see I'm 300 miles away from the vehicle just now and was unable and am still unable to fix this problem, it may take me a couple weeks to get back there.
Dec 27, 2007 at 8:29 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If the system capacity is 18 quarts, 5.8 motor

You need about 9.5-10 quarts of straight antifreeze to get the temperature protection to surpass the -30 mark you stated.

In this case 9.5quarts /18 quarts = 53%

IF mixed this way it will not freeze at -30 therefore will not expand.
Dec 27, 2007 at 10:07 AM
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JOHNNYNEGAUNEE
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Thank you for your efforts, I'm not sure that completely answers my question but thanks
Dec 29, 2007 at 10:34 AM
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