What does antifreeze do, and what are Westerbekes recommendations on antifreeze concentration?
A good quality antifreeze – 1) Helps transfer heat 2) Prevents rust and scale build-up inside the engine cooling passage ways. 3) Protects against freezing. 4) Lubricates the fresh water circulating pump’s shaft and seal. 5) Increases the boiling point of the coolant mixture when used in a pressurized cooling system, and 6) Reduces evaporation of the coolant mixture – the water used in the coolant mixture may evaporate to a small degree, but the antifreeze itself does not. A mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water is recommended. This concentration should provide freeze protection down to approximately -40 degrees F. Check the mixture chart provided by the antifreeze manufacturer to confirm the protection temperature. Do not mix brands of antifreeze.
