[C320-list] Coolant or Water in Engine

[Robert Perrin]

  Hello Annie,

 > Annie Bennett wrote[inter alia]:

> ......I noticed the visible plastic coolant bottle for the engine (can't remember
> it's proper title) was empty.  The dealer topped it up with tap water.  I
> questioned this saying shouldn't it be coolant?  The dealer said you don't
> need coolant in Australia - I think he meant because of the climate.  Is he
> right?  I'd feel much happier with coolant and when we take over the boat
> will get the mechanic to do a full service.

The plastic bottle is the expansion reservoir and 
should be topped up
to the mark with the recommended concentration of 
coolant as specified
by Yanmar.  Admittedly, here in Australia we do 
not need the anti-freeze
properties [except for Tasmania perhaps] of the 
coolant.
BUT the coolant contains engine and heat exchanger 
corrosion inhibitors
  -  Australian tap water might contain all sorts 
of things [especially here
in Adelaide] but corrosion inhibitor is not one of 
them.

regards,

Robert Perrin
#593
Sugar'n'Spice