different coolant

Hi,

Would a coolant leak have anything to do with not having the correct coolant
for the motor? Cause I see alot of mechanics put water in the radiator for
older cars, wouldn't this damage the engine?

My B16A engine has 227000KM on it so I use any old 50/50 coolant solution
since the correct coolant for the motor is 4 times the price. Its leaking
coolant anyway so buying the correct coolant all the time would cost me a
fortune. But if it stops the leak, then I will definitely use the correct
one. My question is, can incorrect coolant cause leaks?

Thanks

 

===================

A lot more info is needed. What model of honda, and what year? What
coolant are you using (maybe it's one of the ones that's OK) Where is
the leak happening?

'Curly'

 

is it leaking due to the plain water just expanding by boiling off and
then coming out of the pressure release of the radiator cap????
if so then just put in antifreeze.. i had an old mustang that would leak
and i had about 6 months to go before retiring and getting a big check
to buy a new car.. i did not want to put any money into the mustang so i
just put water in it and kept two plastic antifreeze jugs filled with
water to drive to work and then home.. always had some water.. and it
also leaked oil. i carried a couple of bottles of motor oil also. i had
to nurse this mustang to carry me for the next six months and it did...
it never freezes where i live, south louisiana.. well one night with
just water in it the temp went down to 15 degrees and in the morning i
found three freeze out plugs laying on the ground under the car....
lucky i could put them back in place and with a screw driver and hammer
i could punch them back in place(it was a V-6 engine in there and pretty
tight, no room...... so be careful with the just water treatment....

 

I doubt 'incorrect' antifreeze is going to cause leaks.It may not give the
corrosion protection that the proper(recommended) AF would give,but not -
cause- leaks.Modern cooling systems are pressurized.Chances are you have a
pinhole somewhere,perhaps in the radiator or heater cores,or a bad
gasket,or even a bad radiator cap.

 

I agree with the person that told you that the coolant is NOT causing the
leak. You need to open the hood after a drive and attempt to find out
where the leak is located. Also, make sure the water pump is not leaking.
After you find out where the leak is coming from, make another post and
let us know.