Cavitation test ??????
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Utah
Cavitation test ??????
Background:
I have a 91 f250 ext cab 4x4 no turbo. I purchased from the original owner about a year ago with 150k miles. It is my first diesel, and I had done some homework before I bought it but I didn’t learn about cavitation and the coolant additive until about a month after I bought it. I ran out and tested the coolant and there was basically no sign of the SCA additive. I immediately added the stuff and I check the level on a regular basis. I see two possible scenario’s 1) there used to be SCA in it and the former owner just didn’t check it. Or 2) the former owner didn’t know about it and my truck ran for the first 150k without ever seeing the stuff.
Question:
Is there anyway to see if or how much damage has occurred BEFORE the engine is full of holes? I figure my daily driver is either a solid truck with another 100k plus in it, or a time bomb just waiting to blow. I’d kind of like to know which one!
I have a 91 f250 ext cab 4x4 no turbo. I purchased from the original owner about a year ago with 150k miles. It is my first diesel, and I had done some homework before I bought it but I didn’t learn about cavitation and the coolant additive until about a month after I bought it. I ran out and tested the coolant and there was basically no sign of the SCA additive. I immediately added the stuff and I check the level on a regular basis. I see two possible scenario’s 1) there used to be SCA in it and the former owner just didn’t check it. Or 2) the former owner didn’t know about it and my truck ran for the first 150k without ever seeing the stuff.
Question:
Is there anyway to see if or how much damage has occurred BEFORE the engine is full of holes? I figure my daily driver is either a solid truck with another 100k plus in it, or a time bomb just waiting to blow. I’d kind of like to know which one!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
grtF250,
If you don't have cavitation, presumably after the first 150K without the additive and you add the SCA then you shouldn't worry about having cavitation in the future. The SCA does not protect the cylinder linings partially while the engine is running, it protects the cylinder linings COMPLETELY while the engine is running.
To visualize this, realize the coolant boils around particularly hot cylinder walls and creates small air bubbles. Due to vibration of the engine while running, the air bubbles crash against the cylinder linings (at around or above 1,000 psi, can't remember exactly) loosening and breaking off small bits of the iron. The SCA, when added in the correct proportion, coats all surfaces in the engine. When the coolant begins to boil and the air bubbles form, they crash against the SCA film on the engine instead of the iron lining. R.A.
If you don't have cavitation, presumably after the first 150K without the additive and you add the SCA then you shouldn't worry about having cavitation in the future. The SCA does not protect the cylinder linings partially while the engine is running, it protects the cylinder linings COMPLETELY while the engine is running.
To visualize this, realize the coolant boils around particularly hot cylinder walls and creates small air bubbles. Due to vibration of the engine while running, the air bubbles crash against the cylinder linings (at around or above 1,000 psi, can't remember exactly) loosening and breaking off small bits of the iron. The SCA, when added in the correct proportion, coats all surfaces in the engine. When the coolant begins to boil and the air bubbles form, they crash against the SCA film on the engine instead of the iron lining. R.A.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Utah
Thanks Dieselzen,
I didn't realized the SCA completely prevented the cavitation. Its good to know i'm not driving a time bomb around (at least not a cavitation time bomb) I've still got an oil pressure issue to solve but i'm pretty sure its just the gauge.
I didn't realized the SCA completely prevented the cavitation. Its good to know i'm not driving a time bomb around (at least not a cavitation time bomb) I've still got an oil pressure issue to solve but i'm pretty sure its just the gauge.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
start yourself on oil sampling and watch the reports. There is no other way that I am aware of unless your neighbor is super man and has xray vision. I believe you can take samples of both the oil and the coolant for testing. There are several companies that can provide test sample kits for you. Do a search on the internet for oil sampling and take it from there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
you can usually find the additive at International, Caterpillar and other heavy truck dealers. Napa auto parts have something for you too. Just tell the parts clerks what you want to do.
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