Does a Water-Cooled Engine Need Water?
2 Answers
Water-cooled engines require antifreeze instead of water, as prolonged use of water can cause rust in the radiator. Antifreeze serves to protect the radiator. Below are specific details about motorcycle water cooling: 1. Introduction: So-called water-cooled engines do not use pure water for cooling but rather specialized coolant. The difference between coolant and pure water is that coolant contains a certain proportion of pure or distilled water, but not entirely. Mixing pure water with specialized coolant in a specific ratio creates what is commonly referred to as motorcycle coolant. 2. Classification: Currently, motorcycle engine cooling types are mostly divided into air-cooled, water-cooled, and oil-cooled. The engine is the crucial chamber where the motorcycle burns fuel, akin to the central hub that distributes blood throughout the motorcycle's body. Fuel burns within the engine chamber to provide power for the entire vehicle.
As a veteran driver with over 30 years of experience, I've personally suffered from the consequences of adding water to engines back in the day. At that time, not knowing any better, I simply poured tap water directly into it, resulting in severe rust inside the engine and clogged radiators, costing me a fortune in repairs. Modern water-cooled engines use specialized coolant, typically an ethylene glycol mixture, which has a high boiling point to prevent easy boiling, a low freezing point to avoid freezing in winter, and contains additives to prevent corrosion and scale buildup. Adding water only accelerates wear, risking cylinder overheating in summer and cracking in winter. Regularly checking the coolant level is crucial, with replacements recommended every 20,000-30,000 kilometers or every two years. Older vehicles require extra attention—don't skimp on this small expense. Use proper antifreeze coolant, readily available at supermarkets, and mix it with distilled water according to the manual's specified ratio. Proper maintenance significantly extends engine durability, ensuring safety and cost savings. Remember to open the radiator cap only when the engine is cold to avoid burns from hot steam.
