Has any one heard of this before?

[DDT]

Coolant Contamination Check.







Set meter to Volts AC



Positive lead to radiator



Negative lead to coolant



Reading less than



0. 2= OK



0. 5= think about changing



0. 7= Change now



Coworker give me this info.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - at least the method - but set meter to DC, not AC - the check is for electrolysis, the activity that eats away at various softer metals the coolant is in contact with. I don't recall the actual meter readings as to threshold levels.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I would say DC since there are no dynamics involved in determining the difference of potential (electrolysis)

An excerpt from Under Pressure - Underhood Service


You also need to check for electrolysis in the cooling system. This test can be performed before or after the system has been repaired using a digital voltmeter set to 12 volts. Attach one test lead to the negative battery post and insert the other test lead into the radiator coolant, making sure the lead does not touch the filler neck or core. A voltage reading over 0. 3 volts indicates that stray current is finding its way into the coolant. Electrolysis is often an intermittent condition that occurs when a device or accessory that is mounted to the radiator is energized (such as a poorly grounded electric cooling fan). Broken, missing, loose or corroded ground straps between the engine and chassis may also force electrical currents to flow through the coolant as a ground path.
Ford also has a TSB out on heater core failures, #01-15-6 dated August 6, 2001, which essentially says pretty much the same thing as the GM bulletin. Check the coolant for electrolysis with a voltmeter while the engine is running, flush and replace the coolant if it is contaminated or weak, and check for poor grounded electrical components.


Page 92 - Section 2 of this site" TechOne: Automotive Engine Repair - Google Books


This is also one of the biggest reasons to use distilled or de-ionized water in your cooling system. It substantially reduces the electrolysis.

 

[jelag]

Cummins / CAt both offer a ph test strip and additive to correct the coolant in long life coolant... we use it in our engines... we test the coolant for freezing point, use the test strip and add back the additive... usually 8-12 oz package and its good to go... .

We only use a non-silicate coolant and distilled water when and if we have to either add or change...

We just don't change the coolant... . we let it run... . and check it... . so far we haven't had coolant or water pump problems... the trucks I have sitting here now must have a combined mileage of over 1 M miles... .

 

[Little Bill]

Distilled water is more preferable than demineralized water. Demin water, being devoid of salts and minerals, is corrosive until it becomes buffered by coolant additives, dissolved metals and minerals from the system. Distilled has enough of the calcium+magnesium hardness knocked out to prevent hardness buildup and interference.

 

[Bob4x4]

Cummins / CAt both offer a ph test strip and additive to correct the coolant in long life coolant... we use it in our engines... we test the coolant for freezing point, use the test strip and add back the additive... usually 8-12 oz package and its good to go... .



We only use a non-silicate coolant and distilled water when and if we have to either add or change...



We just don't change the coolant... . we let it run... . and check it... . so far we haven't had coolant or water pump problems... the trucks I have sitting here now must have a combined mileage of over 1 M miles... .

Our 5. 9-6. 7's do not need the additive due to no wet sleeves.

 

[Wingate]

I have toyed with the idea of putting a Cat cooling system conditioner/filter set-up on my truck. Its just a spin on filter base with the conditioner impregnated onto the filter media. BoB is right, we don't have liners/sleeves in these blocks. But, the coolant conditioner/filter would extend the life of my cooling system. One day here soon, I'm gonna sit down and run all the specs. and make sure the conditioner/filter is compatiable with the HOAT.

 

[JWadford]

i have toyed with the idea of putting a cat cooling system conditioner/filter set-up on my truck. Its just a spin on filter base with the conditioner impregnated onto the filter media. Bob is right, we don't have liners/sleeves in these blocks. But, the coolant conditioner/filter would extend the life of my cooling system. One day here soon, i'm gonna sit down and run all the specs. And make sure the conditioner/filter is compatiable with the hoat.

i have learned using the filters with conditioner if not constantly monitored will create acid from having too much conditioner in it.