Coolant: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COOLANT CONCENTRATION TESTING

Special Tools:






Check coolant concentration when any additional coolant is added to the system, or after a coolant drain, flush and refill. Use of a hydrometer or Refractometer Tool (8286), refractometer can be used to test coolant concentration.

A hydrometer tests the amount of glycol in a mixture by measuring the specific gravity of the mixture. The higher the concentration of ethylene glycol, the larger the number of balls that will float, and the higher the freeze protection (up to a maximum of 60% by volume glycol).

A Refractometer Tool (8286) tests the amount of glycol in a coolant mixture by measuring the amount a beam of light bends as it passes through the fluid.

Some coolant manufacturers use other types of glycols into their coolant formulations. Propylene glycol is the most common new coolant. However, propylene glycol based coolants do not provide the same freezing protection and corrosion protection and are not recommended.

CAUTION: Do not mix types of coolant - corrosion protection will be severely reduced.