Coolant Test with Floating Balls

[ne2q 73]

I am attempting to check coolant witha # 102 Cold-Chek brandtool with a 5 ball indicator.[/align][/align]I am trying it on Pentosin Lifetime Antifreeze G001200. Pink in color. This is sold in 1.5 litre white bottle with a red screw off cap.[/align][/align]With a 50/50 mixthe tool shows3 ***** floating which equates to -10F. Even with 100% coolant straight without any water mixed in, I get just 4 ***** to float, -25F.[/align][/align]The Pentosin bottle says a 50/50 mix should be good down to -36.4F.[/align][/align]I have not put the coolant into engine yet. Just testing coolant after mixing it 50/50 in a jug.[/align][/align]I wonder if this tool is accurate with this type of Antifreeze?[/align][/align]

[daroshi]

This tool is for testing the specific gravity (density) of propylene or ethylene glycol based coolants only. It will not give accurate readings with G12 Audi coolant.

[ne2q 73]

Thanks Daroshi,

Any idea as to which brand of tester is indeed accurate with G12 Pentosin Coolant?

[daroshi]

I haven't found one yet, but here is some info on antifreezedifferences: http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/...feature20.html

You should be fine with the 50/50 mix (measure accurately!) and remember to use only DISTILLED water (usually available at major grocery stores and pharmacies)

[ne2q 73]

Update on Cold Chek tool. I got a new Cold Chek tool. This one has 6 *****. When checking the 50/50 coolant mix, now 5 ***** float. This indicates -40F approx. I checked my old Cold Chek with 5 ***** and it was still off.

Since I always flush these tools with tap water I suspected that calcium from my well water may have put a slight coating on the plastic ***** making them a littler heavier than normal. Used the tool to suck up some vinegar. Left it in there for about an hour. Then flushed it out with clear water and checked the coolant. Now it read coolant correctly.

Guess the best thing to use whencleaning these floating ball indicators is distilled water.