General Automotive Question:

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by blurp, Sep 2, 2003.

  1. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Hi all,

    I have a quick question which hopefully has a straigtforward answer:

    How do you determine if your coolant is still good or needs topping up
    with coolant or with water? My 240 owners manual gives values for
    Specific Gravity but the coolant tester I picked up at Canadian Tire
    tells me only boiling and freezing points (i.e. completely useless
    since I don't know what range is optimal).

    Is there some steady figure or method I should be working with? Also
    my coolant is currently filled about half an inch above the MAX line
    on the reservoir...does this matter?

    I can't be the only one wondering about this, can I?

    Thanks in advance,
    blurp
     
    blurp, Sep 2, 2003
    #1
  2. blurp

    brackenburn Guest

    Hi "Blurp",

    You're lucky! My coolant tester has only a freezing point
    scale.....but,seriously, that's all I want to know. That and the weather
    forecast for overnight temperatures........... Apart from freezing
    protection, anti-freeze has a limited life because of deterioration of
    anti-corrosion properties of the additives. Some say two years.

    As for your coolant level, I don't know the model year of your 240, but my
    '93 coolant tank max. line is very close to the top. I wouldn't want the
    coolant half an inch above that, especially when cold. I would suggest that
    you simply remove enough to lower the level.

    Good Luck.
    Andy I.
     
    brackenburn, Sep 2, 2003
    #2
  3. blurp

    blurp Guest

    Ok well even this is a big help. I know that all my coolant is at
    least 4 years old, maybe older. I don't think the lugnuts at the
    garage even checked the thermostat, they just went for the most
    expensive repair on the list. I don't mind changing my rad if I need
    to but not if I don't.

    My problem, however, is overheating. I live in Canada so freezing is
    an issue but it never goes to -45 and if it's frozen I'll take the
    subway.

    I'll be going after some answers tonight and let you know what
    happens.

    blurp
     
    blurp, Sep 2, 2003
    #3
  4. blurp

    SMerck Guest

    If your vehicle is hot, then the gauge will be over the "max " line.

    This level should be measured when the vehicle has been sitting for a few
    hours (cold).

    hope this helps,
    SC
     
    SMerck, Sep 3, 2003
    #4
  5. blurp

    volvowrench Guest

    by blurp dropped his wrench, scratched his head and
    mumbled,
    Unless you have a leak the concentration of antifreeze to water will be
    essentially constant for two years. However the pH changes as the coolant
    ages. The best way to measure the SG of a solution is to use a
    refractometer. See
    http://makeashorterlink.com/?A564319C5 for examples. The best way to
    measure pH is with a test strip. See

    http://www.acustrip.com/specs/3-wayafhd.html

    for examples.

    The same two types of tools are also used to ascertain the viability of
    brake fluid as well.

    If you stick to the recommended change interval of two years or 30K miles
    testing is unnecessary.

    Bob
     
    volvowrench, Sep 3, 2003
    #5
  6. <snip>

    As a chemist, I have doubts about the pH reading. First of all, there is no
    pH scale and no pH standards for a roughly 50:50 mix of water and ethylene
    glycol. If one ignores that quibble, the most likely effect of long use is
    oxidation of ethylene glycol to an acid. That would lower the pH, not raise
    it, but the danger level shown on the Web page is 11 - which would be very
    alkaline.
     
    Marvin Margoshes, Sep 3, 2003
    #6
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