I was wondering how Napa's NAPA Kool measures up as a coolant additive. I know fleetguard recomends keeping a ppm about 1.5 -3.0. Napa's test strips measure nitrate, %glycol, freezing point &pH. How do these compare? Do the NAPA test stips work with the OEM coolant? Should I follow the NAPA instuctions for these parameters (nitrate, etc...)? I tested my coolant with a NAPA strip after 19,000 miles. It tests ok. Should I start with a complete flush before I start using the NAPA additive? Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

NAPA's (Wix) system uses pure nitrite as an inhibitor. Others may use varying concentrations of nitrate, borate, and molybdate but there is great debate on which system is best. Test strips designed for the mixed system will read errantly if tested in a nitrite only system and vice versa. Fleetguard uses the mishmash. These are referred to as conventional additive packagaes and mixing them will not hurt, however, it would be impossible to get an accurate measurement if you did without lab analysis.

However, NAPA, Wix, Penray, Nalcool, and Fleet Charge are all nitrite-only and therefore compatible. This is what I use.

For your Fleetguard you should only use the Fleetguard test strips.

There are also fancy systems out there that use Organic Acid Technology (OAT), also referred to as Extended Life Coolant (ELC). Fleet Charge sells one as do Cat, Texaco, Rotella and a few others. Different system entirely and not compatible. Just FYI.

Now as to freeze point, don't trust those strips for that. There is not enough variation in color on that one to get a good read. Manufacturers specify a refractometer, about a $100 tool and there is no guesswork with one of those, but if you can't afford it then at least get a hydrometer with the floating needle to measure your concentration.

Any more questions just ask. The science of coolant is a deep and murky subject.

Birken

 

Well I have the NAPA Kool and their test strips. If I do a flush and start with their additive I'm assuming that this will be enough protection for the cooling system as long as I check it and maintain it. Is this correct? I also plan on adding a coolant filter in the near future also.

 

Yep, you bet. Just start with a low silicate antifreeze. Some say you should use phosphate free, others have phosphate in the SCA package. But for my money I run the phosphate free nitrite only package that comes in Fleet Charge coolant. It is handy. I am sure there are other brands that come pre-charged like this too.

Birken

 

Thanks for the info. I will look into the Fleet Charge coolant when I get into my first flush. (which will be soon)