Old video but a good refresher on a cooling system. Maybe a good basic training tool for newbies...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPGUtBCcQeA

For checking coolant condition and system corrosion resistance, perform a simple electrolysis test.

ground negative side of voltmeter and dangle postive side in the coolant. Should be no more than .3 volts or 300 mV.

76.8 mV is the reading here:

Anti Freeze mix itself only raises the boiling point 13 degrees at a 50/50 mix. And only 8 degrees at 30% mix.

Your radiator pressure cap that raises the boiling point 48 degrees with a 16 lbs radiator cap.

Check your radiator cap performance and system for pressure leaks! Much more important in regards to overheating than anti freeze.

The heat capacity is basically how much heat energy the coolant can carry out of the engine and to the radiator.

As far as carrying heat goes, water does a really good job. It’s actually one of the most effective coolants that could possibly be used.

The specific heat capacity of ethylene glycol is only about 65% of water at the temperatures seen in a cooling system.

If you choose to run staight water to get a little extra help in cooling. Use water without the minerals. Like Reverse Osmosis or Distilled.

Then run a cooling system addtive that reduces electrolysis, anti corrosion, reduces surface tension, neutualizes pH.

All additive will reduce the boiling point some too as they car chemical solutes in the waters (8th grade chemistry)

Here's a very throrough performance test of cooling system additives:

http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0703_turp_cooling_system_additives/viewall.html

Table of results:

You were the one who had something going with the Justice Brothers, weren't you?

Bumping this to the top again for the 2015 overheating season.

People are still overheating in 2019.

I used a pump from a Super Beetle it has a Large S on the front and RED CAPE