Simple question - can SCA be added to the overflow tank?
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Simple question - can SCA be added to the overflow tank?
I just tested the coolant in my 'new to me' 1988 F250 with Wix 24106 test strips.
It looks like brand new coolant in there, bright green and tested at 60% glycol and a PH somewhere around 7.5, which makes sense as the radiator was recently changed before I purchased the truck, and the truck has been off the road since.
However, it tested as having no SCAs in it. I'm assuming I need to add some, but my first question is - can I just add them to the overflow tank, or should they somehow be added to the rad (which is full to the cap level).
A second question just occurred to me - is there anyway to check whether I have some sort of unknown ELC in the truck? I mean, it's green and looks / feels like traditional coolant, but now that there are green ELCs, how would I know?
It looks like brand new coolant in there, bright green and tested at 60% glycol and a PH somewhere around 7.5, which makes sense as the radiator was recently changed before I purchased the truck, and the truck has been off the road since.
However, it tested as having no SCAs in it. I'm assuming I need to add some, but my first question is - can I just add them to the overflow tank, or should they somehow be added to the rad (which is full to the cap level).
A second question just occurred to me - is there anyway to check whether I have some sort of unknown ELC in the truck? I mean, it's green and looks / feels like traditional coolant, but now that there are green ELCs, how would I know?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
If it's that full just take the radiator cap off when cool and put your hand over the cap neck. Squeeze the upper radiator hose and it pushes coolant to the overflow creating enough room for the SCA's. Also worth mentioning if it tests negative for SCA's its probably not a heavy duty diesel coolant and not nitrate free. Hopefully it isn't translucent green AKA Prestone universal.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
If you don't know what's in there,then I'm afraid it's best to flush it.Although it very well may be a good traditional green coolant,if you add SCA's to that,they wont work but instead turn your coolant mushy and you'll have to start over anyway.
You can use a standard green coolant if you want,just make sure to get one that states low silicate.
You can use a standard green coolant if you want,just make sure to get one that states low silicate.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,106
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From: Virginia
If you don't know what's in there,then I'm afraid it's best to flush it.Although it very well may be a good traditional green coolant,if you add SCA's to that,they wont work but instead turn your coolant mushy and you'll have to start over anyway.
You can use a standard green coolant if you want,just make sure to get one that states low silicate.
You can use a standard green coolant if you want,just make sure to get one that states low silicate.
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