Coolant Concentration Testing
COOLANT CONCENTRATION TESTINGSome coolant manufacturers mix other types of glycol into their coolant formulations. Propylene glycol is the most common new ingredient.
A hydrometer does not always provide a correct measurement of freeze protection when anything other than ethylene glycol and water is being tested. The degree of inaccuracy varies depending on the proportion of other glycols present in the coolant.
All new GM vehicles are produced with coolant that can be accurately measured with a hydrometer; however, when the type and quality of coolant being measured is unknown, such as a customer vehicle that has accumulated mileage, the use of the refractometer is recommended.
Coolant testers J23688 (Fahrenheit Scale) or J26568 (Centigrade Scale) can be used to check the antifreeze protection of the coolant, make sure the refractometer markings are correct. Unless J23688 or J26568 has a provision for temperature correction, test the temperature at which J23688 or J26568 is calibrated. If the coolant is warmer or cooler, the reading may be incorrect. Follow the manufacturer's directions on using J23688 or J26568.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENTS
^ Tools Required
- J23688 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester (Fahrenheit Scale)
- J26568 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester (Centigrade Scale)
1. To clean, swing back the plastic sample cover located at the slanted end of the J23688 or J26568.
2. Wipe clean both the prism and the bottom of the sample cover.
3. Close the sample cover.
1. Release the clear plastic dropper, located on the side of the J23688 or J26568 should be used to draw the test sample.
2. Ensure that the dropper is free of any previous sample before starting the testing procedure.
3. Dip the end of the plastic dropper into the coolant without removing it from the tester. Be sure to insert the tube slightly below the fluid level.
4. Press and release the bulb to draw a sample of the coolant.
5. Bend the plastic tube around the J23688 or J26568 so that the tip can be inserted in the sample cover opening.
6. Eject a few drops of the coolant onto the measuring prism by pressing the bulb. take a reading.
7. The J23688 or J26568 are equipped with an eyeguard that can be used in two positions. When wearing eyeglasses, the eyeguard should be folded back; when no eyewear is worn the eyeguard should be extended. Proper positioning of the eyeguard will help eliminate stray light and improve image quality.
IMPORTANT: The temperature scale is reversed from a standard thermometer scale. Readings below 0 degrees are on the upper half of the scale. The scale is not visible until a sample is placed on the prism. If the concentration of the solution tested is greater than the limits of the scale, the shadow will not be visible.
8. To take a reading, point the J23688 or J26568 toward any light source and look into the eyepiece.
9. The coolant freeze point reading is taken where the dark and light portions of the scale meet. Take the coolant reading on the right-hand scale.
10. To obtain the best contrast between the light and dark portions of the scale, tilt the J23688 or J26568 toward a light source. If the edge between the light and dark shadow is not sharp, the measuring prism was not sufficiently clean and dry or there was not enough fluid on the measuring prism.
CALIBRATING TESTERS
The J23688 and the J26568 are factory calibrated and sealed. The testers should not require adjustment. If adjustment is required, do the following adjust procedure:
1. Make sure the temperature of the J23688 and the J26568 is between 21 and 29 degrees Centigrade (70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Using distilled water, take a reading.
3. If the reading departs from a 0 degrees Centigrade (32 degrees Fahrenheit) reading on the scale, perform the following:
3.1. Remove the sealant covering the screw.
3.2. Turn the screw in the direction necessary to adjust the reading to the 0 degrees Centigrade (32 degrees Fahrenheit) line.
IMPORTANT: Never REMOVE the screw from the J23688 or J26568.
3.3. Reseal the screw using silicone sealant.