What do you use for cooling water?

I use distilled water and RV antifreeze. I'm not sure what the difference is with regular antifreeze and the RV version but I read sometime ago that it is better for the closed loop spindle cooling. I also have a piece of Silver in the cooling reservoir for antimicrobial purposes.

David

thanks for the reply

difalkner said:

I use distilled water and RV antifreeze. I'm not sure what the difference is with regular antifreeze and the RV version but I read sometime ago that it is better for the closed loop spindle cooling. I also have a piece of Silver in the cooling reservoir for antimicrobial purposes.

David

Click to expand...

I think the RV antifreeze is propylene glycol and regular antifreeze is ethylene glycol. I think the propylene is supposed to be less toxic. It has slightly different properties than ethylene but I don't remember exactly what. Seems to me it may have been slightly denser and therefore a better heat exchanger. When I worked for Esso we sold quite a bit to the oil patch for their heat exchangers at natural gas compressor stations.

That makes sense, Charles - thank you! I'll be changing out my water soon and planned to get the RV type again so at least now I'll have a reason to get that kind.

David

I also use distilled water and propylene glycol.

In case anyone didn't know, RV antifreeze is specifically for potable water and is not suitable for engines. It is what I use for my spindle, because I have 2 dogs and won't risk exposing them to the poisonous stuff. Seems ethylene glycol attracts pets. I also use it because it contains corrosion inhibitors, which puts it ahead of plain and distilled water. I've had the same antifreeze in my reservoir for a few years. No smell what so ever. I use it straight from the jug - no diluting. It's cheap enough that no real savings from dilution. Wally World sells one brand for $2.58/gal.

I see that windshield washing fluid is also toxic for pets. I don't have any pets but still I will switch back to RV antifreeze.

A lot of people use water for PC water cooling systems.

I'm just using distilled water for my spindle.

I am using antifreeze. It's really important to use quality products. I am not a mechanic, but a friend of mine has told me to use this and he was right, it works perfectly. I am happy that I am having friends that are experts in their domains. For example, I had to change the AC installation and a friend of mine has told me about Cheap Aircon Servicing Singapore, AC Cleaning,Repair & Maintenance because he has worked with them before. I have decided to follow his advice and I had a good experience. Always ask friends when you are encountering a problem because there is a chance that they will have a solution

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