How to test Coolant

racertracer · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 4:46 pm

I know that the cheap floating balls will give me the freezing point, but what I want to test for is corrosion inhibitors.

I read a post way back when that there is a way to test the coolant using a multi meter. Anybody have a clue?

Hexus · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 5:58 pm

Found elsewhere:

Check your coolant conductivity with a multimeter.
1. Start with cold engine
2. remove radiator cap
3. start motor
4. Set voltmeter to 'DC' (20 volts or less)
5. after reaching operating temp, insert positive (+) probe into coolant.
6. Rev engine to approx 2k and place probe onto negative (-) side of battery.
7. If the meter reads less than .4 volts your coolant is good.
8. readings above .4 volts the electrolisis additives are exhausted.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:01 pm

racertracer wrote:

I know that the cheap floating balls will give me the freezing point, but what I want to test for is corrosion inhibitors.

I read a post way back when that there is a way to test the coolant using a multi meter. Anybody have a clue?

You can buy test strips at many auto parts stores.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:23 pm

Robinair,Fleetgaurd,Envirmental test systems,WIX,and many others have test strips sold under there names and most(if not all) can be had a parts stores.Should try a Napa or CarQuest.

racertracer · **Posted:** Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:24 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

racertracer wrote:

I know that the cheap floating balls will give me the freezing point, but what I want to test for is corrosion inhibitors.

I read a post way back when that there is a way to test the coolant using a multi meter. Anybody have a clue?

You can buy test strips at many auto parts stores.

Advance auto had them.... Coolant test strips. Thanks

Auberon · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 12:50 pm

Using DVOM:
1 Put DVOM neg (-) probe on Negative terminal battery or GOOD ground.
2 Submerge DVOM (+) probe into coolant, in the overflow tank
3 Note voltage.

0.2 V (200mV) or less OK
0.3V to 0.6V borderline
0.7V or greater then FLUSH tHE SYSTEM etc.

Do not measure resistance (Ohms). It is meaningless here.

racertracer · **Posted:** Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:42 pm

Auberon wrote:

Using DVOM:
1 Put DVOM neg (-) probe on Negative terminal battery or GOOD ground.
2 Submerge DVOM (+) probe into coolant, in the overflow tank
3 Note voltage.

0.2 V (200mV) or less OK
0.3V to 0.6V borderline
0.7V or greater then FLUSH tHE SYSTEM etc.

Do not measure resistance (Ohms). It is meaningless here.

Thank you for the instructions. I just performed the test with a DVOM I bought from wally world and the reading was borderline at 3.2.

How to test Coolant

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