testing antifreeze

55 50 Ron

Well-known Member
My antifreeze tester says "Warm coolant before testing." How much difference is there between cold and warm readings (if any) ??

I haven't made a comparison. Just wondered if any one has made a comparison ??

Maybe it is just related to the type of tester used ??
 
Can't say as I ever did that ?
I do know with all the weird coolants out now there are different testers for some of the different ones like dexcool verses the old green stuff.
 
It make some difference, but the tester will get you in the ball park regardless of the temperature.

There is a correction factor, so your particular tester is designed to work with "warm" (what ever that is) coolant. Some are set to work with cold (again, whatever cold is).

The old hydrometer type, with the floating glass tube inside, had a correction chart built in, along with a thermometer inside the tube.

The colder the coolant, the denser, so it will show the concentration of EG as being greater. The warmer the coolant, the result will show less concentration of EG. But without being able to know the lowest temperature the winter will bring, it is necessary to plan for the worst, so the numbers are not that critical.
 
I would assume they want the coolant temp around room temperature or so, meaning not real hot (operating temp) or not real cold ( freezing). They are trying to tell you that in the least amount of words and to also keep you from trying to reach a specific target temp.

I would be just as concerned about the pH, additives and debris etc than just the temp protection. Also just because it "looks" good and clean does not guarantee it is still good.
 
Agree. The 1988 Ford 3910 I bought recently has a sticker under the hood you lift up to service the engine compartment right at the radiator fill port.

It shows you what to do and has a chart to remind you that every 300 hours you drain the system (including a picture of the side of the engine block
draining) and specifies 50/50 on the decal. Course back in '88 I doubt they had 5 year coolant. Pretty much speaks for itself. On did the PO comply?
Must have since the tank was clear "tomato worm" green with no visible corrosion on the radiator fins in the tank.
 

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