1930 Cadillac Brochure Front Cover - GM Heritage Center

CHAPTER V
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
SATISFACTORY operation of the car in freezing weather depends
upon having the car prepared for cold weather and in giving
it the special attention which is required at that time. In this
chapter has been grouped aJJ the information relating to care
and operation of the car during cold weather. It should be
reviewed just prior to the beginning of the winter season.
Preparing for Cold Weather
Anti-Freezing Solutions
The available commercial materials for preparing anti-freezing
solutions for automobile radiators are denatured alcohol, distilled
glycerine, and ethylene glycol.
Denatured alcohol solutions are, at present, the most generally
used anti-freezing solutions. Denatured alcohol is widely distributed,
affords protection againsr freezing, and is not injurious
to the materials used in the cooling system.
There are two principal objections to denatured alcohol.
Alcohol is lost by evaporation, especially on heavy runs, and
unless the solution is tested periodically and sufficient alcohol
added to replace the loss by evaporation, the engine or radiator,
or both, are likely to be damaged by freezing.
The car finish is damaged by contact with the alcohol solution
or vapors from the solution. Any alcohol accidentally spilled on
the finish should be flushed olF immediately with a large quantity
of water.
[3S1
The following tabic gives the freezing temperature and specific
gravity of solutions of denatured alcohol and water:
Lowest
Temperature
Expected
10° F.
0°F.
-10° F.
—20° F.
--30° F.
Per cent
hy
Volume
30
38
45
51
57
Specific
Gra\ itv
Cat 60 F..
.9668
.9567
.9475
.9350
.9260
Qt ;. Alcohol
required to make
6gi Is. solution
Di
9U
10? ,|
12
I3?.t
Distilled glycerine and ethylene glycol solutions are, in lirst
cost, more expensive than alcohol, but as they are not lost by
evaporation, only water need be added to replace evaporation
losses, except that any solution lost mechanically, by leakage
foaming, etc., must be replaced by additional new anti-freezing
solution. These solutions under ordinary conditions are not
injurious to the car finish.
The principal objections to glycerine and ethylene glycol are
the tendency of these solutions to loosen the scale and iron rust
which forms in the water passages of the cylinder block and head,
and the difficulty of securing and maintaining tight, leakproof
connections. It is absolutely necessary to thoroughly clean and
flush the entire cooling system before glycerine or ethylene
glycol is used.
It is also necessary to tighten or replace the cylinder head
gaskets and pump packing. The cylinder head gaskets must be
kept tight to prevent the solution from leaking into the crankcase
where it might cause gumming and sticking of the moving
parts. The pump packing must be kept tight to prevent air
from being drawn into the cooling system in order to avoid
foaming and other difficulties which may result when air is
present.
Glycerine or ethylene glycol should be used in accordance
with the instructions and in the proportions recommended by
the anti-frceze manufacturer.
139]