bsides hydrometer best way to chk coolant condtion

[lucerne06]

I know to use a hydrometer to tell what temp the coolant is good till,,,but without actually sending to a lab...what method is best for overall coolant health?

 

[Rylan]

A good refractometer (sp?) is useful at checking coolant or battery fluid condition.

I personally use an old MAC hydrometer to check coolant. I usually only use it to check the mixture % after a flush, and not really to determine the health or condition of the coolant (use age or mileage).

IIRC, coolant types (ethylene vs propylene glycol) will test differently, so make sure you have the correct tester.

 

[Wilhelm_D]

Originally Posted By: lucerne06
I know to use a hydrometer to tell what temp the coolant is good till,,,but without actually sending to a lab...what method is best for overall coolant health?

Hydrometers do not tell you anything about coolant condition. They tell about coolant concentration.

Test strips for testing Ph and carboxylate inhibitors are available. If you have a diesel you can also test nitrite levels.

Beyond that it's either a lab or flush and refill.

 

[ram_man]

Best way is with a dvom. Stick one lead to ground and other end in antifreeze and see what the voltage is anything in the .3 and up plan on changing it before it hits .4 volts. Same test applies to brake fluid.

 

[Papa Bear]

I think the best method for determining coolant health is to know the age/mileage of the mix.