The older the hoses get, the higher chance they’ll start to leak. Rubber can weaken with age and from repeated exposure to hot coolant. Coolant hoses typically last several years, though anything older than 10 years should probably be replaced. The radiator hoses should also be inspected for cracks in the rubber or any leaks. The cap is what maintains the coolant system’s pressure to prevent boil over. Have the cap tested to make sure that the coolant system is maintaining the correct pressure and replace when needed. When performing a periodic inspection, make sure the radiator cap is still functioning properly. One crucial often overlooked component of the coolant system is the radiator cap. This is achieved by draining and flushing the entire cooling system. If you’re using a conventional coolant or haven’t changed your coolant following the recommended schedule, it is a good idea to clean your system. It is a good habit to test the coolant on a regular basis, in-between scheduled coolant changes. For diesel engines running extended-life coolant, the service life is approximately 5 years or 100,000 miles. The recommended service interval for regular green coolant is around 2 years or 30,000 miles. Make sure to check your owners manual and follow the recommended cooling system maintenance schedule. Once the oil has coated the discs, the hydrometer can read all other cooling systems wrong as well. If the coolant being tested with a hydrometer has traces of oil in it, this can cause inaccurate readings. This device is sometimes preferred because it is known to be more accurate, but it can also change with temperature.Īnother benefit of the refractometer is the glass is wiped clean with each sample and will be more accurate. RefractometerĪ refractometer measures the way light bends as it travels through an object, which in this case is coolant. So make sure the vehicle’s coolant is around the same temperature every time you check it. A difference of up to 10☏ can be seen if the coolant being tested is hot or cold. One variable in testing coolant this way is that the hydrometer can be temperature sensitive. The degree of freeze protection is determined by how many discs float in the concentration of coolant. The object is to see how many discs will float once the coolant is drawn into the tube. The coolant is drawn into the test tube created by suction from the bulb. This is basically a plastic tube with colored discs inside along with a squeeze bulb on top. HydrometerĪ hydrometer is used to measure the specific gravity of coolant. With a simple dip, you can determine the nitrite level, freeze point, and pH level. Be sure to use strips specific to your type of coolant, and check the expiration date of the strips. Paper test strips provide a simple and affordable way to check your coolant. This mixture should also be free of dirt or debris. The color, odor, and acidity of the coolant should be consistent with the original combination of fluids. The ideal mixture for your diesel’s coolant is 50 percent coolant and 50 percent water. It should be checked for a possible head gasket leak or other issues.Ĭoolant strength can be tested with test strips, a hydrometer, or a refractometer. If the coolant has a sludgy, oily surface, immediately take the vehicle to your mechanic. If it looks colorless, rusty, or has things floating around in it, flush your cooling system and add new coolant. Instead, always use distilled or deionized water.Ĭoolant comes in a variety of different colors such as green, orange, red, yellow, or blue. Avoid using tap water to mix coolant as this could increase the risk of rust, corrosion, or scale. Some coolants are pre-mixed, so check the bottle to see whether you need to add water. If the level is low, you should add a 50/50 mixture of coolant & water. With the engine cooled down, make sure the coolant level is at the correct “Full” or “Max” line on the reservoir. Crucial components on modern diesel engines like EGR coolers, and oil coolers rely on the condition and proper function of your cooling system. In fact, the condition of the coolant/anti-freeze in a diesel engine is even more important than in a gasoline engine. Proper cooling system maintenance is just as important as changing your oil. The cooling system is typically the most overlooked preventive maintenance item in a diesel engine. Duramax, Installations, Powerstroke, RAM / Dodge, Tech Talk Cooling System Maintenance
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