| Author | Message | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Rating: N/A |
Hi all, Recently I have heard a lot about having and maintaining the proper pH level in my coolant. What should the pH level be? How does one change the pH up or down? Thanks for your input. Mark O. | ||
| akrom Rating: N/A |
I give up- how do you change the ph level??? akrom | ||
| Jim Stewart (H3jim)
Rating: N/A |
change the coolant every so often, put in additives, use a coolant filter that includes the additives. Having said that, I don't know what the actual PH level should be - experts? Also there is the anti-cavitation that is so important. It keeps the intense sound / vibration (from the dieseling) from creating tiny air bubbles on the sides of the water jacket, which in turn eats away small particles of metal and creates the need to rebuild the engine afer a short time. | ||
| Tim Jones (Torquester)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Mark, I can't remember the exact pH level. It may vary by manufacturer. 9ish is kinda stuck in my head. Get the test strips recomended by your engine manufacturer and test for pH as well as nitrates (both are very important). Adjustments can be made with coolant additives (SCA) available at Carquest and others. hth, Tq | ||
| Ethan Tuttle (Mrert)
Rating: N/A |
I use some small test strips that you just dip in the tank and they change color and tell you if everthing is ok or if you need to add an additive. I will check the name tomorrow when i am in the shop. Here is some info About coolant and PH levels The correct pH value should be maintained between 9.5 - 10.0 pH. Below 9.0 pH it is advisable to flush the cooling system and refill with a new coolant solution. Importance of the pH Value in Engine's Coolant All types of internal combustion engines requires the use of antifreeze, anti-boil or simply a coolant to remove heat from the combustion area. Whether it is called antifreeze in the colder parts of the world or anti-boil in the tropical regions, the coolant's function is to lower the freezing point for winter operation or raise the boiling point in warm climate. The most popular choice of coolant worldwide has always been a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, with the ethylene glycol containing selected and specific inhibitors. While coolant is needed to remove heat in all internal combustion engines regardless of the type of fuel used, a regular control of the coolant solution is required to prevent the engine from severe damage. Frequent engine repair and failure can be traced to improper or non existent engine cooling water treatment. Rust, scale, mineral deposit and deterioration of seals are the result of improper or no treatment in the cooling system. From the time the coolant is introduced into any type of engine it starts a gradual degradation process into corrosive acids. This degradation is a function of time, temperature and the types of metals used in the engine and components construction. Once the coolant turns acidic all engine metals start to dissolve. The results are leaking water pumps, heater cores and radiators. With the increasing number of aluminum engines and components the corrosive process is accelerated since the coolant degrades much faster in contact with aluminum than in typical cast iron engines. During the preventive maintenance of any engine, in addition to the freezing point, the pH value of the cooling system should be checked. Most automotive manufacturers provide in the vehicle manual information about the suggested mileage or time to change the coolant. However it is important, because of the different climate and operative conditions, to measure the pH of the coolant every time the vehicle is at a scheduled service. WARNING: Take proper precautions when removing radiator cap and DO NOT remove when the engine is hot. Accurate pH measurement is achieved when the coolant temperature is below 50 oC. | ||
| Ethan Tuttle (Mrert)
Rating: N/A |
here is the web page for the strips I use for the Dot trucks. You can read up on them !http://www.gwrauto.com/RadStrip1.htm | ||
| Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj)
Rating: N/A |
The higher the pH for coolant, the better. Mine runs right at 9.5, which is about where it should be. 10.0 would be ideal. Coolant filtures help. Reason is the combustion acids from combustion work there way past the various gaskets and get into the coolant, thus LOWERING the pH. Low pH is acid. High pH is alca-line (sp?) Acids by definition can work havoc on various engine/systems parts. Bases SEEM to do less harm. Oh gosh it hurts to think! Believe it deals specifically with the hydrogen ions molaridy for acids and hydroxil groups (hugh?) for bases. A little help here Marc or Fred? Been a LONG LONG time from grad school. I hate getting middle aged. AAUUUUGGGHHHHHH! Thanks  |