| Author | Message | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (66.167.165.14)
Rating: N/A |
I GOT DaBooks, and DaBooks don't tell me HOW to check the coolant mixture. They just say DO IT! I used to have one of those pyrettes with the floating bubbles - is that a hydrometer? Can I just drain a bit of the coolant into a pail and test that mixture? I know this is a complete nincompoop question - sorry and thank you. --Chuck (MC9 w/ 8v71) | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (66.229.106.83)
Rating: N/A |
Go to your friendly NAPA store, and ask for a coolant tester. They're similar to a battery hydrometer - you stick it in the liquid, squeeze out the bubbles, suck in the liquid, and a little float-like device points to a good-bad-soso scale. Probably under $20. I've had mine for over 20 years, still seems to work ok. Since the coolant recovery tank is so inconveniently placed on an MCI (not like our GMs), it's probably safest to do what you're thinking - drain some off into a bucket, test, then pour it back. Might be a good idea to have the system warmed up a bit, so you're not draining off a bunch of sediment. HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| BrianMCI96A3 (65.173.87.143) Rating: N/A |
yep, as a diesel mechanic, thats probably how I'd check it...drain some off, after running it a bit. Thats the tester alright -20 ought to be alright unless you are going to experience anything close to that then go to -40. Brian | ||
| Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.128.180.142)
Rating: N/A |
Another thing to test is the coolant additives that prevent corrosion etc. They are a test strip that changes color depending on acidity, nitrite concentration and antifreeze concentration. They come in a small bottle of 50 or so but have a shelf life of a couple of years. Supplemental coolant additives are available at truck dealers to replenish them. Jim | ||
| choochoo (206.176.198.203)
Rating: N/A |
Chuck I check my anti freeze on MC 9 by using a baster with a length of plastic tube and sucking a representitive amount out of the fill pipe and than put it in a container, than use the ball indicator or a hydrometer. It is lot easier than trying to drain some. You can use any device that will suck out of the fill pipe. TED Non Jersey Transit MC9 | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (66.167.165.14)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks guys! I drained some, got a guy at the auto parts store to check it (didn't have to buy a hydrometer again  and the mix is good enough to be ok down to 25. So I don't have to worry over the holiday) I've squinted several times at the sight glass and never could see a darn thing, so thought I'd add a gallon to improve the mix somewhat. I thought I'd pushed the relief valve, but NOOO - got squirted all over with an extra full tank. No wonder I couldn't see anything thru the glass - so full that I couldn't tell what was going on. Good thing it wasn't too hot. It was just like in The Exorcist! Bleah! Jim, I did read about checking the additives, and will probably do a full drain & redo after the holiday. Thanks for the reminder. I'm learning! Thanks again. -Chuck | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (208.186.37.186)
Rating: N/A |
My MC-8 had a drain cock on one of the metal coolant pipes, to the right of the motor, for testing the antifreeze. Peter. |