Engine Coolant Concentration
This test is done by using a refractometer engine coolant tester. Refractometers
test for the amount of glycol in a coolant mixture by measuring the speed
of light as light passes through the fluid and is not affected by the specific
gravity of the glycol. Refer to
Coolant Concentration Testing
.
Testing Procedure
Tools Required
• | J 23688 Coolant
Tester (Fahrenheit Scale) |
• | J 26568 Coolant
Tester (Centigrade Scale) |
Important:
• | Both J 23688
and J 26568
automatically compensate
for temperature. |
• | Before each use, swing back the plastic cover at the slanted end
of the coolant tester, exposing the measuring window and the bottom of the
plastic cover. |
• | Wipe the measuring window dry with a tissue or a clean, soft cloth. |
• | Close the plastic cover. |
- Release the tip of the pump from the housing of the J 23688
or the J 26568
.
- Do not remove the clear plastic pump from the J 23688
or the J 26568
.
Caution: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature
can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the solution in
the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure
cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the solution
to boil instantaneously -- possibly with explosive force -- spewing
the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.
- Remove the surge tank/radiator cap.
- Insert the tip of the
pump into the surge tank/radiator. The tip of the pump must be below the level
of the coolant.
- Press the bulb. Release the pump bulb in order to obtain a sample
of the coolant.
- Bend the tube around the J 23688
or the J 26568
. Insert the tip of the pump into the cover plate opening.
- Press the pump bulb. Allow a few drops to fall onto the measuring
surface. Do not open the plastic cover when taking readings because any water
evaporation will change the reading.
- Point the coolant concentration
tester toward any light source. Look into the eyepiece.
• | The coolant protection reading is at the point where the dividing
line between light and dark crosses the scale. Antifreeze protection is the
scale on the right. |
• | The temperature scale is reversed from a standard thermometer
scale. Below zero readings are on the upper half of the scale. |
- If the readings are not
clear, properly clean and dry the measuring surface. Conduct a new test. Make
sure there is enough fluid on the measuring surface.
Calibrating Testers
J 23688 and J 26568
are factory calibrated and sealed. The testers should
not require adjustment. If adjustment is required, refer to the tool manufacturers
recommendations.