Ran an experiment to compare Ford and Napa (Wix) test strips on a virgin 50/50 antifreeze/additive sample. For the Ford sample had 8 oz of Napa antifreeze (green) and 0.3 oz of Motorcraft VC-8 additive. For the Napa sample I had 8 oz. of Napa antifreeze with 0.3 oz. of Napa Kool (pn 4056). These are the correct proportions as indicated on each bottle (16 oz additive to 128 oz coolant). I dipped Fleetguard and Napa test strips in each bottle per instructions and read the results. The Ford strips test for freezepoint, molybdate and nitrite. The Napa tests for nitrite, freezepoint(%glycol) and pH. Obvious point here is that the Napa additive has no moly in it.
For the Ford sample: Ford Strip read moly-450ppm, Ni-550 ppm, FP-50%. Napa strip read Ni-1000ppm, FP-50, pH-9.5. Ford strip came out with an SCA at 1.5 which is in the green service area on their strip chart. Napa strip Ni level indicated between Ideal and add 1 pint per 20 gal or a bit on the low side for the additive.
For the Napa sample: Ford strip read moly-0, Ni-550 ppm, FP-40%. Can't estimate SCA level without a moly reading. Napa strip read NI-1200ppm, FP-50, pH-9.5. Napa additive indication was in the ideal area.
You can draw your own conclusions from this but, it is obvious that if you are using Ford additive you need Ford test strips and visa versa. I was also a bit bothered by the big difference in Nitrite levels between the two strips. I personally do not like the fact that the Napa additive has no moly in it. I bought all Napa products for today's coolant change, but, I think I will switch back to Ford products for the future changes.

 

It's been my experience that aftermarket does not always mean it's better. Every car maker in the world has spent uncounted millions on R&D. That information has to be worth something.

 

Agreed except Ford must have skipped the R&D on the fuel system.

 

The above is nice but there was no control, one of the set of strips may have been aged/bad. What are actual levels compared to strip readings. A coolant analysis would be good in addition to the above to tell this. Stinky Peterson over at CAT analysis used to be great on this.

 

Ford's Penny-pinching department R&D'ed the fuel system, as well as the rods around halloween of 00,v and and and.... and i could go on and on. i'll stop by saying i won't start.

 

Ummm - this was done on my desk not in a lab - hence the word Pseudo.