Miata Cooling Issues
Folks,
I think I should discuss the Miata cooling issues since it’s been quite a topic that a few people have been asking me about. A little background information: I live in Mesa, Arizona which is part of the Phoenix Metro area on the East side. This area does see 115°F degrees regularly in the summer. Pure dry heat. 5-10% humidity on average. We see about 325-330 days of sunshine a year. The tarmac of our freeways hit temperatures in the 200′s.
When constantly moving over 20+MPH, it’s not so much of a problem because of plenty of air passing through the radiator, forcefully. However, the problem is at the most annoying part of traffic, the stop-go slow traffic, creates the perfect forumla for the engine’s desire to overheat.
Ok, onto the solution…
Here’s what works for me is mainly with the coolant. Not with the mechanics/plumbing or that sort of thing. It’s the coolant that isn’t working. The 50/50 mix of antifreeze/water doesn’t work. It just doesn’t in this kind of weather.
What I did was I took the advice of a friend and tried a product called WaterWetter made by RedLine oils. It can be found in the additives section of any AutoZone locations for some $12. I used half a bottle for my set-up since a bottle of WaterWetter is good for a 12 quart system. Mine’s a 5-6 quart system. I filled up using one bottle of Prestone 50/50 premix then filled up with a half bottle of WaterWetter then put in another bottle of tap water using the same bottle of the Prestone 50/50. Keep topping off until there isn’t a need for any more water. I figure my set up now comes to around 20-25% antifreeze, the rest water with 1/2 bottle of WaterWetter.
Ever since, I have maintained a steady 180-190 degree coolant temperature, even in 115°F heat and in stop-go traffic with A/C turned on.
Why does this work? Coolant is not necessarily as efficient as water in the absorption of heat and the release of heat. Water is the best thing to use but, because of the ability of water to corrode the interior of the engine, we need to use coolant to prevent that. WaterWetter assists by a chemical change by neutralizing water’s corrosive properties when encountered with iron, steel, or similar metals.
Cheers.
