I have a bottle of test strips and was wondering if they have an expiration date. there's some printing on the cap but what looks like the date is smugged to where I can't read it. I checked the temp range where it's good down to like -20 with a regular coolant tester and the strips were way off. I hate throwing them away but if their no good, I guess I throw them away. I checked the other two tests and both of them are past the bottom of the chart color wise. Just put 2 bottles of the NAPA electroliczer to stop the electrolisis from creating holes in the cylinder walls. I have a 1987 F250 with a 6.9. If this reads a little strange, it's 2am and I"m about to fall asleep but wanted to post this while I'm thinking of it. THANX!

 

Yes, the test strips do expire. That's the downside of buying a whole bottle, kinda defeats the purpose of buying in quantity. Which brand of strips? IIRC, the Fleetguard strips have the exp date on the label on the bottle, but I'll have to check mine tonight. The bottle I bought, I bought a couple years ago, and the exp date only gave me about six months use, which p!$$ed me off. Since they expired, I noticed one of the anti-cav tests is way off; it always shows low even with brand new pre-charged coolant.

 

I agree, your test strips are likely pooched.

But, you write "Just put 2 bottles of the NAPA electroliczer to stop the electrolisis from creating holes in the cylinder walls."

Do you mean anti-Cavitation fluid?

Roy

 

this is one of the reasons i use penray need release coolant filters that release SCA's as the system requires it.no more throwing out expired test strips i payed for because i don't have to monitor it anymore.just change the filter every 15 months.

to answer your question,should you just toss some more SCA in without properly being able to read the system.no.because adding too much SCA can be worse than not using enough.when you over use,then the system gums up and now you have a mess to deal with (coolant flush or flushes) and meanwhile while you have the sludge,the SCA's are not working anyway.
no guess work.you'll need to buy new strips.

 

I'm heading for the ford dealership in the morning to get it checked just to make sure I didn't mess it up. I've been thinking of putting a filter in like FORDF259 is talking about. Where is the best place to buy one? When I posted the question I couldn't remember what the ANTI-CAVATION fluid was called. Thanks IRhunter. These late nights mess with my head when I post things here.

 

I think the test strips and SCA-adding filters are both fine ideas. Another approach is to start with fresh fully-formulated coolant and then add SCA at the rate Ford recommends. I don't have the numbers right here, but it is something like 8 oz of the Motorcraft additive every year or two. Anyway, it is in the owner's manual. At least it is for the 7.3 PSD.

I think you want to do this, but I don't think you want to get all wigged out over it. The 6.9 has a larger margin of error than the 7.3IDI.

Roy

 

Is there any science behind the 15 months, i.e. Penray recommendation, mileage during that time, etc? Penray stuff always seemed pricier but to not have to worry about it any longer is a great benefit.

 

This one is 15 mo., 150k miles, or 3k hours. $66 for the filter designed for larger-than-IDI motors.

 

http://penray.com/wp-content/uploads...-Flyer-614.pdf

Need Release® Synthetic Media Cooling System FiltersPenray

the nf-2088 filters may cost more...however don't forget to subtract the cost your already paying.for example,if you already buy coolant filters (blank or dump as once style) the cost of your test strips and the costs of your liquid sca's (if using blank coolant filters.or no filters.)
look for them when they come up on ebay for deals,and you'll see it's really not costing you much,if any more to simply screw a filter on every 15 months and forgetaboutit.

 

That's awesome. Thanks, guys! This will be the way to go the next time I'm due a filter change.