Hi Rono
thanks for the feed back. I think I'll use tap water and a wetter for initial run up on test bed.  interestingly Amsoil, Royal purple and others insist do NOT use wetter with distilled water only tap water or filtered bottled water. (I believe the racers use straight water and a wetter)  distilled water is ok when used 50/50 with antifreeze. this has been a bit of a mine field.
sorting radiator cap was just as involved, never knew there were so many variations
thanks
stuey

Got the Amsoil Antifreeze today. It is not pre-mixed and takes a 50/50 mix with water. They recommend a radiator flush before adding the new coolant.
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

good old tap water is fine for initial run up. when worked at cat dealer strait watter for dyno runs, why wast good anty freeze when you are un sure of water leaks etc,plus be kind to the envirement

Rono, thanks for reply. you have obviously done some homework when you quote propolyene (green)  as opposed to ethylene (not so green).perhaps you could update us if you find out if its ready mixed or concentrate.
Miker that's the info I was looking for, water and pump lube. thanks.     makes me wonder what people like Mr T Eaton do when they are running up different engines/motors on their dynos.  but maybe that's commercially sensitve
stuey
UK

I've decided to switch to Amsoil Anti Freeze since I havn't changed mine in a few years. I am already using a propolyene glycol (Sierra) which uses a different tester than ethylene glycol, but I couldn't find on the Amsoil website if it is pre-mixed or not. Guess I'll find out when I get it!
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

I usually start a new motor on water and water pump lube. After the cam break in, I go look for leaks, drain it, and then add the antifreeze.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Miker
thanks for reply. the Amsoil sounds good and I have a stockist nearby. I had looked at Evans waterless but it is just too pricey.
can't get over how pricey this stuff is considering total capacity of system is 22 qts.
to run up a new build can I get away with just water and maybe a wetting agent?:
stuey
UK

I've been running the Motocraft premium gold for 2 1/2 years, since I put the aluminum heads on. I've got the engine apart for a cam change, and there is no sign of any corrosion on any of the aluminum parts or the aluminum radiator. I think most of the modern antifreeze has additives for aluminum, since it's so common on newer engines. Just check the specs. Amsoil claims theirs is good for 7 years, or 750,000 miles in truck service.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

morning folks
has anyone got recommendations re coolant/antifreeze /corrosion inhibitor
I have alu heads, manifold and radiator. this is a first fill.
many thanks
stuey