Testing Coolant/Antifreeze

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Jun 20, 2012 | 04:48 PM

Gage2502

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

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From: Northern IL

Testing Coolant/Antifreeze

Does anyone ever use the Prestone Antifreeze Tester? Or the Peak Tester?
I just flushed my 2005 V10 and looking to make use that I have a good 50/50 mix.
Is there a better way to test it?
Thanks ~Gage~

Jun 20, 2012 | 06:10 PM

fordman19762003

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2003

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I just mix equal parts of water and antifreeze(usually a gallon of each) into a large container, then pour from that into the rad. I rarely actually use a tester.

Jun 20, 2012 | 06:15 PM

Gage2502

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

Likes: 9

From: Northern IL

Ya I was going to do that but this time I didnt. But I did use distilled water.
Thanks ~Gage~

Jun 20, 2012 | 06:24 PM

dkf

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

I used the little $.99 dropper looking jigger I got from Wally World with the 5 *****. I'm going to check it with a refractometer once I can bring it home to use.

Drain some coolant out of the bottom of the radiator to test the coolant/water mix. You can get a false reading taking it from the coolant in the degas bottle because it takes a long time for everything to mix.

The only way to get the right mix is to test it. Just guessing is a crap shoot that can cost you in the end.

Jun 20, 2012 | 06:34 PM

Gage2502

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

Likes: 9

From: Northern IL

Thanks again dkf.....ya thats a good idea about checking it from the drain. Going to pick up that 5 ball thing, I had that in my hand a few weeks back, I shoulda bought it than.
~Gage~

Jun 20, 2012 | 06:36 PM

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

Likes: 40

From: Pa

Here is what I used. My dad and grandfather used them for years also. I always seem to lose them.

Walmart.com: Chaslyn Small Anti-Freeze Tester: Automotive

Jun 20, 2012 | 07:41 PM

Gage2502

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

Likes: 9

From: Northern IL

Yep picking that up tomorrow.
Thanks ~Gage~

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Jun 21, 2012 | 02:40 PM

Gage2502

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,902

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From: Northern IL

Ok so heres what I found with the testers I used the Chaslyn Small Anti-Freeze Tester, & the Prestone one. The Chaslyn I got all 5 ***** floting but the fifth one not as high as the others, the Prestone I got a +268 -45 reading on it.
Also I need to top it off about a 1/2 gal? was going to mix the Motorcraft Coolant and Distilled water 50/50, but the Motorcraft I have is a open 3/4 full gallon thats about 5 years old, its been in sitting in the truck box all that time is it still good to use?
Forgot to add this......I tested it by draining about 1 cup, and by the expansion tank.
Thanks ~Gage~

Last edited by Gage2502; Jun 21, 2012 at 02:43 PM. Reason: Forgot to add a line