Coolant Test Strips

[Rambling_one]

Well, you know by now I'm not mechanically inclined. Are the coolant strips similar in purpose to the old hydrometers?

[jsing]

The test strips serve two purposes. Each strip has three test pads. One is used to test the freeze protection level. The other two are used to maintain safe acidity to reduce the effects of cavitation.

If you get the strips from DIS, they give you instructions and a grid to compare the test strip to. Add FW-16 as necessary.

I suggest getting a small baster from any grocery store and retreive coolant from the coolant reservoir using the baster. Transfer the coolant into a different vessel to do the test. Make sure both are cleaned completely after use to avoid contamination of future tests.

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1999 F250, Hunter Green, XLT, Auto, SC, SB, SRW, 4X4, Tow Package, Off-Road Package, Roll-Top cover. Built 6/98.
1998 Wilderness 27-5T 5th Wheel trailer. 5 Year Old Dalmatian that goes everywhere with us.
Tired of fighting the wife for the truck. Starting research for a F-350 PSD (2001?). Will be Island Blue.
Y2K H-D Ultra Classic on order.

[Mikecar]

The directions say not to take sample from the coolant overflow but rather to take it directly from the drain on the bottom of the radiator.
Mike

[jsing]

I've heard of folks taking the sample from drain also. Don't know if it really makes a difference. They may be saying that to eliminate the danger of dropping one of the test strips into the reservoir, like I did once. I thought I would try the drain valve next time to see.

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1999 F250, Hunter Green, XLT, Auto, SC, SB, SRW, 4X4, Tow Package, Off-Road Package, Roll-Top cover. Built 6/98.
1998 Wilderness 27-5T 5th Wheel trailer. 5 Year Old Dalmatian that goes everywhere with us.
Tired of fighting the wife for the truck. Starting research for a F-350 PSD (2001?). Will be Island Blue.
Y2K H-D Ultra Classic on order.



[This message has been edited by jsing (edited 11-23-1999).]