Can using distilled water instead of coolant in the summer hurt a car?

Question

My coolant was leaking like crazy, after close inspection i saw it was the water pump, the seal on it had cracked, so i replaced it and my uncle and i filled it with distilled water, i plan on getting it flushed, but is it really needed since it's summer?

-thanks

Answer 1

well what you think we used before coolant... water was all we had.. yes it will work but really just go buy a couple bottles of coolant... and drain and refill.. you want to flush it remove bottom hose crank motor put water hose in radiator let run 20 minutes and then refill with coolant which will work better than just plain water

Answer 2

You are fine. All you need to do is add a rust inhibitor. Check out the link. they are the leader in water pump a cooling technology. What do boats use? Water from the lake that they are in! Add the anti-freeze in the winter months.  

Answer 3

Distilled water is fine.  No need for a flush.  Get some coolant right away and mix 50% 50% water to coolant.  If not you will wind up replacing an engine from overheating.

Answer 4

It depends on how much you put in. If it's getting close to being pure water, it'll rust the engine out and boil over a lot easier. Flushes can run $80 to $100.

Answer 5

It is much better to use a mix of distilled water and coolant because the coolant will prevent rust in your radiator and engine, provide lubrication for your water pump and prevent boilovers.

Answer 6

You need to add antifrreeze to the water.  Most manuf tell you how much in the cars owners manual Look it up, You need the coolant in the summer too so it helps prevent over heating.

A radiator flush is about $50-75.

Answer 7

Running straight water will corrode all kinds of internal engine parts, particularly your new water pump leading to its premature and inevitable failure.  Engine coolants contain corrosion fighting chemicals.  Straight water promotes corrosion.  That is why you run a 50/50 mix.

A pre-mixed gallon of 50/50 coolant runs about $7-8 and you get it at the same place you bought the water pump so there simply is no excuse.