Dexcool Testing for PH

[BodybyFisher]

Have a look at this site.

http://www.cooltrak.com/faqs.asp

This product is a good addition to add your tool box if you used GREEN coolant, I would test at every other oil change. Testing your coolant regularly can eliminate the guessing games of coolant changes. You can test the coolant for coolant concentration, reserve alkalinity (green) and pH levels.

What is coolant pH?

PH is the measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity in a coolant. The acidity decreases and the alkalinity increases as the pH goes from 0 to 14. The recommended pH range for coolants is on the slight alkaline side, from 7.5 to 11. Anything at 11 and above would be considered too high. Tests that range from 6.0 up to 7.5 would be considered too low. The pH of fresh coolant slowly decreases with time and use in a cooling system as acids are formed by the oxidation of ethylene or propylene glycol. At low pH ranges, certain metal surfaces are susceptible to acid corrosion, while at high alkaline pH, aluminum surfaces are susceptible to corrosion. Thus, it is important to check the coolant pH periodically to make sure that it is neither too acidic nor too alkaline

The strips are good for PG or EG. The test will also work if EG and PG are mixed together in the same system. However, Red or Orange Dyed Coolants will affect an accurate pH reading, and is NOT recommended for use.

It seems to me based on some reading that I did, that because of the color of Dexcool and the dyes affect on the test results, the strips can't be used.

I went to Zerex's site and this statement was made

"Even vehicles touted to have 100,000-mile tune, trans fluid and coolant change intervals still need to have routine inspections performed"

What worries me?

What worries me is that I would buy a 2004 STS and one of its prior owners, changed a water pump, stat or coolant tank and used green coolant at some point. Easy mistake, easy oversight for the uninformed.

I think we have come to the conclusion here and correct me if I am wrong, that whether your Northstar contains green or Dexcool, changing the coolant every 2 years or 24,000 miles is prudent.

There was an interesting article at the Valvoline/Zerex site

http://www.valvoline...e/ccr20040501si

So what is the answer if you wanted to test the Dexcool. A PH meter?

See this article, it states that it is important for PH to remain stable. See this http://www.phmeters..../antifreeze.htm

The alkalinity of an antifreeze/water mix varies because of the additives used and the ingredient ratio but should be between the pH range of 8 and 11. The average antifreeze pH value is 10.5. When the antifreeze is mixed with water and added to the cooling system, the pH decreases to 8.5 to 9. A higher pH level is not always better because some new long-lasting coolants have a pH of 8.3. As long as the pH value stays stable, the cooling system is fine.

The answer might be this PH tester, shown here > http://www.phmeters....ilab-meters.htm

pricing of $195 here > http://www.transcat....x?itemnum=IQ120

Expensive but a good tool for these cars and any future cars that you purchase. Imagine?, you drive up to a car you find on Craigslist. You ask has the cooling system been maintained?, Oh yea most definately! You take the cap off, pull out your StarTrek meter, test the coolant, it reads either 2 or 15 and the next thing you see, is that car in the rear view mirror as you drive off!

[BodybyFisher]

Here is an article on what levels of PH causes aluminum to corrode and why

http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/MatSelect/corraluminalloys.htm

[WarrenJ]

Unless you've owned the car from day one and can with absolute certainty know it never had the green stuff in it, you must assume that it may have had the green stuff in there at one time.

Changing your coolant every two years is the only sensible plan.

[BodybyFisher]

Agreed

[scott y]

In both of my vehicles(02 STS,94STS)I change the coolant every fall with Peak Long Life coolant apparently good for 150,000 miles(240,000km). I could be wasting time and money but I just do it. The 94 gets the supplement not the 02...

[JohnnyG]

Not having read any of the links, but I find that PH meter mentioned in your post to be rather expensive. Try here: http://www.mcmaster.com/# for a PH "pen" which should be adequate for most purposes. You should also purchase some PH buffer solutions in 5, 9, and flushing packets in order to calibrate and store any PH measuring meter correctly. If the electrode is contaminated or dries out, the meter will need to have the electrode replaced. This one can be had for $50.00 or so, and is accurate if properly stored and maintained.

If I were testing Dexcool for proper PH, I'd purchase a gallon of 50/50 mix and use that as my baseline. Then determine how for you want to push the alkalinity/acidity based on the links provided.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#

http://www.mcmaster.com/#ph-meters/=9qwtuh

If you order from these guys today, you'll have your item by tomorrow!!

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks Johnny, that is great info! Its on my Christmas list!

[Ranger]

Not having read any of the links, but I find that PH meter mentioned in your post to be rather expensive. Try here: http://www.mcmaster.com/# for a PH "pen" which should be adequate for most purposes. You should also purchase some PH buffer solutions in 5, 9, and flushing packets in order to calibrate and store any PH measuring meter correctly. If the electrode is contaminated or dries out, the meter will need to have the electrode replaced. This one can be had for $50.00 or so, and is accurate if properly stored and maintained.

Why not just use these?

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=ph+test+strips&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=12823328513027531715&ei=rCvjTPvAGIPAnAfp8tmgDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCkQ8wIwAQ#

[BodybyFisher]

Another option, but, I have to look at it for Dexcool, the color of Dexcool throws off the test

Thanks Ranger

[KHE]

Not having read any of the links, but I find that PH meter mentioned in your post to be rather expensive. Try here: http://www.mcmaster.com/# for a PH "pen" which should be adequate for most purposes. You should also purchase some PH buffer solutions in 5, 9, and flushing packets in order to calibrate and store any PH measuring meter correctly. If the electrode is contaminated or dries out, the meter will need to have the electrode replaced. This one can be had for $50.00 or so, and is accurate if properly stored and maintained.

Why not just use these?

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=ph+test+strips&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=12823328513027531715&ei=rCvjTPvAGIPAnAfp8tmgDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCkQ8wIwAQ#

I think one of the posts describing the pH testing said the dye in the coolant will give a false reading on the pH test strips.

[Ranger]

Good point and most likely true. Easiest way is not to bother. Just change it every 2-3 years.

[KHE]

I do like Mike's idea of using the pH reading to tell if the coolant has been maintained on a used car.

[BodybyFisher]

I do like Mike's idea of using the pH reading to tell if the coolant has been maintained on a used car.

I like the idea also, I also like the idea of checking the coolant as part of a maintenance program during the 2 to 3 year change interval.

But then again, I wear a belt and suspenders,