I have been hearing a lot about testing the antifreeze. What is this all about. I am goin to take my truck in for a tranny flush and radiator flush. What antifreeze is the best to use. Is there an antifreeze that I wouldn't have to test? How often do I need to test it? Thanks in advance u guys rock!!!

 

I assume you mean testing the antifreeze for its strength. In other words at what point will it freeze/boil. You can pickup an tester at any hardware or autoparts store for a few dollers. It usually resembles a mini turkey baster with a short hose on the end. You take off the radiator cap, stick the hose in the filler and squeeze the bulb at the top of the tester. When you release the bulb it will siphon up antifreeze into the "tank" or "reservoir". There will be bulbs or a floating dial. How far the dial moves or how many bulbs float tell you how strong or weak the antifreeze is. The anifreeze can really never be too strong, only too weak. In order to make it strong you may just need to add straight antifreeze. If the radiator is too full you mean need to drain some out first and then add but if you are doing a radiator flush anyway the place will put new stuff in and make sure it is the right strength anyway. As far was what is best, to each their own. As far as how often to test it, it depends on where you live. I live in MN so I test mine once a year in the fall to make sure it is strong enought it won't freeze

 

He's talking about testing antifreeze for the SCA's.
Anti cavitation additives.

 

I heard something about an additive to prevent deposites of (calcium??) in the motor that could ruin the motor. This is just something I was told by a mechanics at my work. He is a pretty knowledgable guy and works on diesels all the time. I work as a lineman in Cali at pacific gas and electric. He bought a 6.0 and got rid of his 7.3 and is hating himself. Ha ha ha

 

Sorry didn't see your reply. Ya that is what I am talking about.

 

I use fleet charge. It ready has the SCA's in it. Just drain your old and fill with the new. SCA stands for System Coolant Additive. The reason our motors need it is to prevent cavitation. Heres an explanation of what cavitation and how it effects diesel motors, as well as why SCA's are used to prevent it.

http://www.oilburners.net/articles/c...l#introduction

Some good reading, and it should answer most of your questions

 

SWEET thanks fellas!!!!