Can you test coolant strength?

[hembramacho]

Hi Guys.
Having read a few posts regarding coolants, etc (including finding out that the Haydn LCA does a longer beep when the coolant is weaker - cool ) I'm wondering if there is any way to test the strength of the coolant mix. The reason why I'm wondering is that I've had the bongo since May and had no probs with coolant at all (touch wood), apart from having to top up slightly every now and again. Not sure when it had a coolant change before that (private sale) but the header tank was spotless when I had it. Anyway, with the current sub zero temperatures I'm now getting paranoid that my coolant is now too weak following the occasional top up, going to freeze overnight and I'm going to break the bongo when I start her up in the morning.

Any thoughts?

Andrew

[apole]

Hi Andrew,

Yes you can get testers of various kinds. All are pipette type things that you suck out a little bit of coolant and either a floating gauge or the number of balls that float give you a guide to the coolant strength. Not expensive, halfords etc do them so easy and cheap to do.

Regards

Andy

[hembramacho]

Hi Andrew,

Yes you can get testers of various kinds. All are pipette type things that you suck out a little bit of coolant and either a floating gauge or the number of balls that float give you a guide to the coolant strength. Not expensive, halfords etc do them so easy and cheap to do.

Regards

Andy

Cheers Andy - appreciate that.

Andrew

[rita]

Hi Andrew,

Yes you can get testers of various kinds. All are pipette type things that you suck out a little bit of coolant and either a floating gauge or the number of balls that float give you a guide to the coolant strength. Not expensive, halfords etc do them so easy and cheap to do.

Regards

Andy

Cheers Andy - appreciate that.

Andrew

Hi,check out Lidl,they were doing one for £1.00.

[hembramacho]

Hi,check out Lidl,they were doing one for £1.00.

Will do - ta very much.

Andrew

[rita]

Hi,check out Lidl,they were doing one for £1.00.

Will do - ta very much.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,if you are stuck for a tester,you can draw a small amount of coolant from your expansion tank,and put it in the freezer.It should stay liquid and not go to slush.

Do not put where it could contaminate food,use a small tub with a lid.

And don't drink it.

[Simon Jones]

Apart from the strength of the mixture which effects the freezing point, there are also corrosion inhibitors which stop the iron & steel from rusting. The general opinion is that the coolant should be changed every two years to ensure the corrosion protection is up to scratch.

[mikexgough]

Try one of these................................. Machine Mart...
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... tive-tools

[jumper]

Most garages will do you a free anti freeze check. Give the whole coolant system a good looking over, you shouldnt be using any water.

Ian