No, he's correct. Water at sea level boils at 212F or 100C. By adding antifreeze/coolant to water, it can raise the boiling point to near 240F depending on the % added and the system pressure.

In other words, it boils later than it would naturally.

 

Because of it's heat-transfer characteristics, ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point of water by 62ºf (a 50/50 mix yields a freezing point of -30ºf) and raises the boiling point by 8ºf (to 220ºf with a 50/50 mix). Calculations are for sea level.

 

Antifreeze/coolant does little to raise the boiling point of the coolant.....the cooling systems ability to seal/hold 15-16 lbs pressure is what raises the boiling point (3X15=45+212=257 boiling point). The main function of antifreeze/coolant is to provide freeze protection (lowers the freeze point), corrosion protection and pump lubrication.

 

Can you explain where the 3 comes from?

 

Most fail in the closed position. Thus the reason they overheat. All three I had fail, were in the closed position.

 

With renix, if the thermo fails and the block overheats, the electric fan wouldnt come on because the temp sender for the fan is located in the radiator. Im still stickin with a little air in his system. The temp wouldnt be almost in the red when the fan kicks on.

 

I believe the 3 is a multiplying factor for 16 PSI above normal atmospheric pressure but I could be wrong.

 

Thats what im thinking

 

Yep, each psi above atmospheric will raise the boiling point 3 degrees.....thus 15 psi X 3 degrees = 45 degree increase in boiling point above 212 at sea level or 257 degrees.......16 psi = 48 degree increase, etc., etc. When water/coolant boils, it can no longer absorb heat so the boiling point needs to be raised above 212 so coolant can continue to absorb heat. Motor can easily be overheating without coolant boiling.

 

I thought atmosperic pressure was like, 14.7?

Not saying your wrong, i just dont remember

 

Most automotive cooling systems are pressurized 15-16 psi above 14.7.