coolant additive issue
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: shiloh, kentucky
coolant additive issue
Just looking for some second opinions
I checked my coolant the other day using some NAPA test strips. These strips check PH, freeze point, and the "other" which I dont recall what it is called but this is the thing we diesel owners need to watch. Well, the "other" tested way high which per the bottle I needed to recharge the coolant system. So, I recharged. I drained the radiator, filled with water and drove a few miles till the engine warmed to norm temp. I drained again. I then recharged with Shell antifreeze and a bottle of NAPA coolant additive. After driving the truck a few times I rechecked and it is calling for a recharge again.? The old coolant had not been in the system but a few yrs so it looked good. I dont have any leaks, I dont have to make any adds. No water in the oil. Right now I am thinking I need to buy some new test strips but wanted to get a second opinion. Any thought would be helpful.
thanks
MW
I checked my coolant the other day using some NAPA test strips. These strips check PH, freeze point, and the "other" which I dont recall what it is called but this is the thing we diesel owners need to watch. Well, the "other" tested way high which per the bottle I needed to recharge the coolant system. So, I recharged. I drained the radiator, filled with water and drove a few miles till the engine warmed to norm temp. I drained again. I then recharged with Shell antifreeze and a bottle of NAPA coolant additive. After driving the truck a few times I rechecked and it is calling for a recharge again.? The old coolant had not been in the system but a few yrs so it looked good. I dont have any leaks, I dont have to make any adds. No water in the oil. Right now I am thinking I need to buy some new test strips but wanted to get a second opinion. Any thought would be helpful.
thanks
MW
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
It wouldn't be abnormal to have to recharge after things got mixed up good. but New strips are cheap and they do have expiration dates (though I have been using mine way longer than that) so I would get some new ones retest and charge if needed.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 157
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From: shiloh, kentucky
Thanks yall. Yep, one of the reasons I was leaning towards new strips because they are several yrs old. I dont even remember how expensive these are but will find out here shortly.
Just wantering what causes this "other" to build up and check high?
Just wantering what causes this "other" to build up and check high?
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 1
From: Southwest Georgia
Mike, just for FYI, if all other test were within range, and it only called for more SCA, you do not have to drain and refill the coolant system, just add the correct amount of SCA to your coolant to bring the reading into specs.
