Coolant Test Really Needed
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 369
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Coolant Test Really Needed
I don't have the in dash LCD so I have not received the warning for a coolant test, but it seems most are reporting this around 15k miles which I am getting close to. Has anyone actually needed to add revitalizer?
I really don't feel like ordering and screwing with test strips outside in the cold.
I really don't feel like ordering and screwing with test strips outside in the cold.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
I have 36,000 on mine and have not had to add anything, I checked it myself when the messages came up at about 15,000 and 30,000 and also had the dealer test it the other day just to make sure I was doing it right and it was within the ph spec.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,216
Likes: 4,219
From: Kaysville Utah
I tested mine at 30,000, it was marginal, so I added the VC-12 additive.
The coolant is rated for 105,000 mile life at normal use, You can add the additive twice during the life of the coolant. If you divided that out, it would be 35,000 70,000 and flush and replace at 105,000 miles
Severe duty has a 60,000 mile life, So 20,000 40,000 and replace at 60,000 miles.
The only way to know for sure is to do the test, with the proper test kit and by taking the coolant from the radiator drain valves, not the degas bottle.
The coolant is rated for 105,000 mile life at normal use, You can add the additive twice during the life of the coolant. If you divided that out, it would be 35,000 70,000 and flush and replace at 105,000 miles
Severe duty has a 60,000 mile life, So 20,000 40,000 and replace at 60,000 miles.
The only way to know for sure is to do the test, with the proper test kit and by taking the coolant from the radiator drain valves, not the degas bottle.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,216
Likes: 4,219
From: Kaysville Utah
It's just not a test strip. The first two test are done with the strip. Then you need a clean sample put in a vial and add a tablet, shake for x number of seconds and then dip the next test strip.
When you buy the kit, you think you have enough test strips to do your truck and all your friends. But the kit will only do 10 coolant test.
You truck has TWO coolant systems. You need to conduct all the test on BOTH systems, since the coolant does not interchange between them. So a kit will do 5 complete test.
When you buy the kit, you think you have enough test strips to do your truck and all your friends. But the kit will only do 10 coolant test.
You truck has TWO coolant systems. You need to conduct all the test on BOTH systems, since the coolant does not interchange between them. So a kit will do 5 complete test.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
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I maintain a lot of equipment, but none of it takes test strips. I don't feel qualified enough to drive this rig.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
It's just not a test strip. The first two test are done with the strip. Then you need a clean sample put in a vial and add a tablet, shake for x number of seconds and then dip the next test strip.
When you buy the kit, you think you have enough test strips to do your truck and all your friends. But the kit will only do 10 coolant test.
You truck has TWO coolant systems. You need to conduct all the test on BOTH systems, since the coolant does not interchange between them. So a kit will do 5 complete test.
When you buy the kit, you think you have enough test strips to do your truck and all your friends. But the kit will only do 10 coolant test.
You truck has TWO coolant systems. You need to conduct all the test on BOTH systems, since the coolant does not interchange between them. So a kit will do 5 complete test.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 369
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How much did the dealer charge for the revitalizer? I wonder if it hurts to just add some like that? If it requires testing it might be sensitive to an overdose.