Coolant Testing Strips (Do they test enough?)

[2civics]

Looking into ordering a coolant testing kit online. It measures coolant freeze point, boil point and pH levels of 6, 7, 7.5, 8 and 11.

Coolant Strips

Is this a thorough enough test kit to determine the quality of my coolant? Thanks

 

[2civics]

Better than a bulb tester but not as thorough as other strips on the market? Any suggestions?

 

[Fraser434]

I would use a hydrometer to test mix ratio/cooling/boil point. Which doesn't really give you a full reading on the coolant.

For very expensive power generation systems I would track the metals, mostly copper/lead and the amount of additive. Either you have Nitrited coolant or Carboxylic acid ELC/Dexcool type, or plain conventional green coolant. If you have Nitrite or a Dexcool type coolant you can get strips for the additive that gives you a better indication of the quality, along with pH test strips.

Metals that result from coolant corrosion/cavitation you need a lab to check those, just like a UOA.

 

[2civics]

Thanks Frasier. I have the Honda Blue Coolant. Not sure what category that falls under....will do some research. Silicate free.

 

[2civics]

I think I will just go by mileage/ age. ;(

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: 2civics
Looking into ordering a coolant testing kit online. It measures coolant freeze point, boil point and pH levels of 6, 7, 7.5, 8 and 11.

Coolant Strips

Is this a thorough enough test kit to determine the quality of my coolant? Thanks


The issue is 50 test strips that expire in 2-3 years. Thats about 10X of what I would need in 2-3 years.

 

[2civics]

Well, I didn't know they expired. Some of them run upwards of 20.00 too.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: 2civics
Well, I didn't know they expired. Some of them run upwards of 20.00 too.


I just read the reviews on Amazon.

 

[901Memphis]

Maybe if you have a food saver vacuum packer the shelf life may be extended if stored in doors in temperature controlled area.