verify my theory on water wetter?

XxKHxX · 08-16-2005, 10:47 PM

okay so the thermostats on the 944s test water temp. we all kno that.

Now, with water wetter added to the coolant sytem, the water wetter changes the surface area of "hot spots" inside the cylinder head (making them smaller) to allow more heat to transfer to the coolant flowing through the system. Therefore, if a cooling system has water wetter in it, theoretically, the water temp gauge should rise a lot faster because the water is taking in more heat. Thus, the water temp will rise, but the engine temperature will stay relatively low.

So my question is, is will the water temp gauge rise a lot faster with water wetter, than without?

thanks

944 Ecology · 08-17-2005, 02:52 AM

As they said in programming school, "Try it and See."

gb

ernestedward · 08-17-2005, 03:12 AM

I don't think so, because of two things. First, it's a fairly closed system. The temperature of the water as it leaves the cylinder head is going to be the same or almost the same as the head itself. If there was a significant difference then the water wetter (not to mention the water itself) would no longer be acting like water. Entering is a different story, because it's cooled by the radiator. Which is the second point - the modified heat transfer capabilities of water wetter (real or not) must by definition work both ways (it's just heat). So if it sucks heat away from the cylinder wall that much faster, it will lose it to the air around the radiator at an equal rate. Therfore, from a theoretical standpoint, the temp gauge will rise just as fast as before, because it's both gaining and losing heat at the same rate. It just shouldn't go as high. However, as gb was surely intimating, practice is almost always different from theory. Go for it and see.
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livewirevoodoo · livewirevoodoo's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by ernestedward
Therfore, from a theoretical standpoint, the temp gauge will rise just as fast as before, because it's both gaining and losing heat at the same rate..

That has been my experience with WW. Unscientifically of course.

Havent noticed a faster rise in temp. Cooling system still acts normally. If anything, the temp has dropped 2 needle widths.

The biggest temp drop (well, normalization, keeping the needle consistently at the 2nd tick during midday idle traffic) was from making sure the air intake book was secure in the side fender well instead of sucking up the hot under hood air.

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

Haven't really paid attention to the "speed" of the temp needle to operating temperature, but can certainly vouch for WW keeping it cooler by a few ticks. I've noticed this in all three cars currently owned.

bobcat0 · 08-18-2005, 03:07 PM

OK guys...so do you all recommend water wetter for a 944? Again, I'm a comparative newbie and just want to make sure that it'll help...thx...

944for-ever · 08-18-2005, 03:21 PM

how warm does your car run?

jimbilly · 08-18-2005, 09:17 PM

It runs cooler at speed, but in traffic on a warm day the fan still comes on at the same temp spot, the fan probably doesn't stay on as long however. I understand that it's worth using just for the corrosion inhibitors. Bobcat0; you won't hurt anything by using it, most people who use it like it.

Dougster · 08-19-2005, 06:58 AM

Interesting thread, I have wondered about WW for awhile now, but have never used it...

944for-ever · 08-19-2005, 03:12 PM

I use WW but I cant really say it helped any. if your car is running warm one of the easiest things to do is see if the fins on the a/c condensor are bent over, also see how much bugs and road grime are in the condensor and radiator. my car ran at the third mark all the time, cleaned out the radiator and condensor now it stays between the first and second mark all the time.

XxKHxX · 08-19-2005, 06:24 PM

how do u "clean" out ur condenser? i've wanted to for a long time

944for-ever · 08-19-2005, 06:51 PM

if your going to do the condensor do the radiator too. you will have to pull the condensor out so to do this you will have to disconnect the a/c lines, you can have a mechanic empty the a/c system for you or just let it blow out when you take off the lines, just don't get any in your eyes or let it blow on your skin for too long. I just pulled mine out got a fin straightener or ( fin comb), straightened all the fins. then I washed it out with a garden hose nozzle. you can use a pressure washer but make sure you keep the flow of water straight with the fins or you will bend them. from the time I took out the radiator and condensor to the time I put it back in was probably 2 hours. if you have any more questions just ask.