Coolant Test

Coolant Test - Diesel Engine









1. Inspect the coolant condition. If the coolant is clean and a normal color, proceed with the test. If the coolant is dirty or an unusual color, refer to Inspection and Verification in Diagnosis and Testing. Inspection And Verification

2. NOTE: Failure to follow the service procedure as indicated may result in inaccurate test results.

NOTE: Check the expiration date on the 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit before starting the test.

Start with clean, dry hands and tools.

3. NOTE: The coolant sample may be collected from the degas bottle only if the vehicle has been driven at least 1600 km (1000 miles) since the last time coolant was added, otherwise collect the coolant sample from the radiator draincock.

NOTE: The coolant sample must be between 10°C (50°F) and 54°C (130°F) when tested or inaccurate readings may result.

Collect a coolant sample from the degas bottle using the syringe or drain from the radiator draincock.

4. NOTE: Do not touch the pads on the antifreeze and anticorrosion strength test strip or inaccurate readings may result.

NOTE: Discard the test strip if the nitrite test pad (end closest to the handle) has turned brown.

NOTE: Replace the cap on the bottle immediately after removing the test strip.

Remove one test strip from the bottle.

5. NOTE: For best results, follow test times carefully. Use a stopwatch or clock with a sweeping second hand.

Dip the strip in the coolant sample for one second, remove and shake the strip briskly to remove the excess.

- Wait 45 seconds, but no longer than 75 seconds, after dipping the strip to compare and record the results.

6. NOTE: It is OK to estimate a value between color blocks, but if uncertain about the color match, pick the block with the lower nitrite level.

Check the strip and record the results.

1. Compare the freeze point (end pad) to the color chart on the bottle and record the results.

2. Compare the nitrite test (end closest to the handle) to the color chart on the bottle and record the results.

3. The middle pad is for molybdate which is not a performance measurement used in determining maintenance requirements for these applications.





7. Check the nitrite levels.
- If the nitrite level exceeds 800 parts per million, anticorrosion strength meets specifications, no action is required.

- If the nitrite level is between 300 parts per million and 800 parts per million, anticorrosion strength is low. Add one bottle of Motorcraft(R) Diesel Cooling System Additive.

- If nitrite level is below 300 parts per million, anticorrosion strength is very low and cannot be restored. Proceed to step 9.

8. Verify that the freeze point is appropriate for the climate.
- If the coolant tests weak, remove some of the coolant and add undiluted engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels.

- If the coolant tests strong, remove some of the coolant and add distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.

9. NOTICE: Do not add Motorcraft(R) Diesel Cooling System Additive when refilling the cooling system after a cooling system flush with Motorcraft(R) Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner. This may lead to possible engine damage due to very high levels of nitrite concentrations.

Flush the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Flushing - Diesel Engine Cooling System Flushing .