Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Coolant Freeze Point Test

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 3, 2017 | 06:41 PM
  #1  
Colorado Horseman's Avatar
Colorado Horseman
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 432
Likes: 48
From: Colorado Front Range
Coolant Freeze Point Test

Replaced water pump @ 180k. Did full Gooch flush and fill with 4 gallons Rotella ELC.

Burped and drove 50 miles at both on and off highway speeds. Checked level and tested freeze point with specific gravity type tester. Came up with -45 degrees.

Heater works great at idle and under normal driving conditions, upper hose gets hot and pressurized, overflow to degas working - so I assume pump circulation is good.

Is there some reason for the excessively low freeze point reported? Should be -34 at the 50/50 mix I have.

Is my Prestone coolant tester off? Should I use a different type tester for this application?
 
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2017 | 07:42 PM
  #2  
crop harvester's Avatar
crop harvester
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
Club FTE Gold Member
I always try all three of My testers for comparison,The Gooch flush got Me closer to -34 or 50/50,I use quality testers but never invested in the Refractometer which is supposed to be the most accurate
 
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2017 | 08:14 PM
  #3  
Colorado Horseman's Avatar
Colorado Horseman
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 432
Likes: 48
From: Colorado Front Range
Got to thinkin' (sometimes dangerous).

While with CDOT I had to test the specific gravity of each delivery of mag chloride deicer. The test was specified to be done with the sample at room temperature.

The temperature of the coolant mix noted above was 25F - perhaps this would account for the discrepancy?
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2017 | 06:12 PM
  #4  
ZachinCO's Avatar
ZachinCO
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 11
I hope it never gets cold enough in CO to find the real freeze point!
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2017 | 07:25 PM
  #5  
Colorado Horseman's Avatar
Colorado Horseman
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 432
Likes: 48
From: Colorado Front Range
I have seen -40F. Fortunately, I had a garage to park in where it only got down to 0F.

Forty years ago I drove delivery on the west slope. Overnight stop was a motel in Craig where I plugged the Cat 3406 in and left the rig running all night. She was barely loping along come morning. Always carried extra fuel filters - no fuel heater on that truck.

I understand Elbert can get a might chilly.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nolszewski
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Jan 10, 2018 05:45 PM
Resendiz
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
41
Oct 21, 2016 12:46 AM
1994diesel
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jun 8, 2008 09:04 AM
Tom D
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Jan 1, 2007 04:25 PM
Dubra
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
5
Dec 8, 2003 05:37 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:05 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE