Coolants

1
 What is Coolant?

Additives: About 3%
Coolant is a mixture of:
1. Water (50%)
2. Freeze depressant
(Usually ethylene glycol-
Ethylene
about 93%) Water:
Glycol: 47%
50%
3. Corrosion inhibitors
(additives)
Coolant

2
Need to know
 Water
Water is the principal ingredient and:
1. Is inexpensive
2. Is a very efficient heat exchange fluid
3. Has excellent thermal conductivity
4. Has a good specific heat
5. Freezes at 32°F (0°C)
6. Boils at 212°F (100°C)

The water used in coolant must be clean & pure.

Need to know 3
 Good Water
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards for water quality include:
Chloride <40 ppm
Sulfate <100 ppm
Calcium <100 ppm
Magnesium <100 ppm
Total Hardness <170 ppm
pH Range: 5.5—9.0
Iron <1 ppm

Nice to know 4
 Good Quality Water

Good quality water types include:

• Deionized
• Distilled
• Demineralized
• Purified

Need to know 5
 City Tap Water

 Usually unknown quality

 Can have unwanted
chlorides, minerals, or salts
 Unknown pH

Need to know 6
 What to do?

Test the water at the shop and if it

has high mineral content, consider:
1. Purchasing distilled or de-
mineralized water
2. Installing a micro filtration system
3. Installing a reverse osmosis system
Need to know 7
 Burst Pressure

Water expands when it freezes, and this

creates the burst pressure that can break
cooling system components.
Antifreezes (freeze depressants) lower the
freeze temperature.

Nice to know 8
 Freeze & Boil
Pure Water 50/50 Anti- 70/30 Anti-
Freeze/Water Freeze/Water
Freezing 0° C (32° F) -37° C (-35° F) -55° C (-67° F)
Point
Boiling Point 100° C (212° F) 106° C (223° F) 113° C (235° F)

Need to know 9
 Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is the base

antifreeze used in every
OEM factory fill.
The additive package will
vary.

Need to know 10
 Propylene Glycol

 Only sold to the

aftermarket
 Not recommended for use
by vehicle manufacturers
 More expensive than EG,
Increased cost is $/gallon
 Still toxic but is not as
sweet as EG

Need to know 11
 Poison

Need to know 12
 MSDS

Need to know 13
 Embittered Coolant

Embittered = tastes
awful
Embittering agent is
required (denatonium
benzoate, 30 ppm)
Required in California
and Oregon since
2004 but not included
on the label.

Need to know 14
 Additives

The major additives:

1. reduce corrosion
2. buffer pH
3. add color (dye)

Need to know 15
 Color
The color helps us
identify a coolant
leak. It also helps us
identify the additive
package.
Should not be used
as an indicator what
to use-some Chrysler
vehicles used HOAT
coolant that was
green
Need to know 16
 IAT

Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) is the traditional

green coolant used in most older vehicles. This
solution offers fast-acting corrosion protection, but
the additives are quickly consumed, exposing the
cooling system to possible corrosion problems if not
changed regularly.
Need to know 17
 IAT (Usually Green in Color)

IAT antifreeze can contain:

 Silicates (possible
abrasive dropouts)
 Phosphates
 Borates

IAT is considered obsolete and can cause early failure of

ceramic-phenolic seals used in newer water pumps.

Need to know 18
 OAT (Usually Orange)
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) is the
formula found in DEX-COOL®, and is
usually the antifreeze/coolant of choice
for GM, VW, and many Japanese/Asian
vehicles. This formula is engineered to
offer long-life corrosion protection.

The downside of OAT is it is not compatible with other types of

coolant (IAT and HOAT). In fact, Ford, Chrysler and others say
to not use this type of coolant in their newer models.

Need to know 19
 OAT-continued

NAPS=nitrates, amines,
phosphate and silicate free

Nice to know 20
 OAT=DEX-COOL is one brand

Nice to know 21
 DEX-COOL Concerns
 Root cause seems to be air entering system
past the cap and leaking intake manifolds
 Replace cap and check cap seats if radiator
contains air
 Air causes rust of cast iron and formation of
‘Brown Gunk’
 Rust then causes blockages
Need to know 22
 Rust in Engine

Need to know 23
 GM DEX-COOL Problems
Class action suit; GM may have to pay for
intake gaskets on V-6s (V-8s still being
determined)

Brown Gunk on radiator cap

Need to know 24
 DEX-COOL’s Unique Formulation
 DEX-COOL uses Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-
EH) as a corrosive inhibitor
 2-EH is prone to damage plastics like
Nylon 6.6 used in intake manifold
gaskets and radiators
 G30 OAT and Peak Global OAT do NOT
use 2-EH

Nice to know 25
 HOAT (Many colors)

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) is found in newer

Ford, Chrysler and Mercedes vehicles. Said to use the very
best aspects of both IAT and OAT, HOAT is a very protective,
long-life coolant.

Need to know 26
 HOAT=Red; Pink; Yellow or Blue

Nice to know 27
 “G” Designations

 G= Glysantin –trade name of BASF. Valvoline

(Zerex) in the US.
 G30 and G34= non-silicate and phosphate
free
 G05 = different from Texaco’s DEX-COOL,
G05 product contains from 252 to 308 PPM
Silicon which Valvoline believes provides a
better aluminum protection
Nice to know 28
 “G” Designations-continued

 G11=Blue VW used before 1997

 G12=Pink/Red VW 1997+
 G12=Purple VW 2003+
 HOAT formulation; phosphate free

? 29
 “G” Designations-continued

 G48=Low Silicate and Phosphate free

 Blue Color
 NAP =nitrates, amines, phosphate free
 BMW

? 30
 Replacement Antifreeze

The best choice is to follow the vehicle

manufacturer’s recommendations.
OR, you can follow the recommendations of
reliable antifreeze manufacturers (next slide).

Need to know
31
Antifreeze Applications n

32
 Substance pH
Hydrochloric acid -1.0
Battery acid 0.5

pH Lemon juice
Cola
2.4
2.5

Acid Vinegar 2.9

Orange or Apple juice 3.5
Acid Rain <5.0
pH is a measure of acidity or Tea or healthy skin 5.5
alkalinity of a solution. Milk 6.5

Less than 7 is considered acidic. Pure water 7.0

Greater than 7 is considered Healthy human saliva 6.5 – 7.4

Blood 7.34 – 7.45
alkaline.
Sea water 7.7 – 8.3
Hand soap 9.0 – 10.0

Alkaline Household ammonia 11.5

Bleach 12.5
Household lye 13.5
Caustic Soda 13.9

Nice to know 33
 pH Effects

Fresh antifreeze should have a pH between 9 and 11, used

between 7.5 and 10. Antifreeze tends to become more
acidic over time.
Excessively acidic or alkaline coolant will cause corrosion of
cooling system components through galvanic action. It can
also increase electrolysis; the dissimilar metals in contact
with an electrolyte can produce a simple battery.

Need to know 34
 pH of various coolants

 IAT= 9.0-10.5 new

 OAT= 7.5-8.5 new (G30 and G34
designation)
 HOAT= 7.5-8.5 new (G05,G48,G11 or
G12 designation)

Need to know 35
 Desired pH

Need to know 36
 Conventional
Antifreeze Compounds
Compound Purpose
Ethylene Glycol Lower freeze point, Raise boil point
Conventional Antifreeze
Block Polymers Defoamant & Scale & Deposit Control
Borate Iron protection & pH control
Nitrate Aluminum & solder protection
Nitrite Cast iron & steel protection
Mercacaptobenzothiazole
(MBT) & Tolytriazole (TT) Copper & brass protection
Phosphate Iron protection & pH control
Silicate Aluminum corrosion protection
Nice to know 37
 Extended Life
Antifreeze Compounds
Compound Purpose
Nitrite Cast iron & steel protection
Modified silicone Defoamant Defoamant
Borate Iron protection & pH control
Molybdate Iron corrosion protection
Potassium soap of Dibasic Iron, solder, and aluminum protection
Carboxylic Acid
Potassium soap of Dibasic Aluminum and iron (with sebacate)
Monobasic Carboxylic Acid protection
Phosphate protection & pH control
Tolytriazole (TT) Copper corrosion protection
Nice to know 38
 Coolant Summary
 Ethylene glycol - Most ethylene glycol coolant is any color and contains about 93% ethylene
glycol plus water and additives.
 Propylene glycol - less harmful to pets and animals because it is not sweet tasting, although it is
still harmful if swallowed.
 Organic acid technology (OAT) antifreeze coolant – This type is ethylene glycol based but it does
not contain silicates or phosphates. It is usually orange. DEXCOOL is an OAT coolant.
 Hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT) – This orange, green, red, blue or yellow coolant is
an ethylene glycol based coolant similar to the OAT- type antifreeze as it uses additives (a low
amount of silicate)
 VW/Audi pink - Most of these coolants are HOAT (ethylene glycol-based with
 some silicate and contain an organic acid) and are phosphate free.
 Asian red – This coolant is ethylene glycol-based and is silicate-free, yet contains phosphate.
 Mercedes and Ford yellow – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate
and no phosphates.
 Mercedes Lifetime – Very expensive, can be drained, filtered and reused.
 Korean or European blue – This conventional ethylene glycol coolant has low amounts of silicate
and no phosphates.

Nice to know 39
 Coolant Related Problems
Problem Appears as: Caused by: Prevented by:
Cavitation Water pump Low pressure Good coolant &
impeller pitting at impeller Cooling system
pressure
Corrosion Rust & pitting Acidic coolant Good coolant

Erosion Inside-out wear Dirty coolant Good coolant

Electrolysis Inside-out Acidic coolant Good coolant &

pitting & Stray Proper electrical
current grounds
Scale White coating Bad water Good water

Need to know 40
 Corroded Water Pump

One of the reasons for the removal of silicates from coolant

Need to know 41
 Corroded pump can cause:

 reduced coolant flow and

an overheating condition

Need to know 42
 Cavitation
Cavitation

Cavitation is the sudden formation and collapse of low-

pressure bubbles. With gasoline engines, the pressure drop
can occur at the inlet of the water pump. These bubbles
produce a pitting of the solid metal .

Need to know 43
 Cavitation Damage

The very low pressure can produce gas bubbles that

implode next to a metal surface. The implosion blasts
particles from the surface.

Need to know 44
 Diesel Wet Sleeve Cavitation

The sleeve can vibrate

during the combustion
stroke producing the
pressure drop, bubbles,
and metal erosion. Heavy
duty coolants contain
supplemental coolant
additives (SCA) to help
prevent this.
Need to know 45
 Corrosion

Common corrosion is the “decomposition of metal”

and is commonly called rust, an iron oxide that
forms on iron components.
Corrosion is also aluminum oxide, the whitish
material that forms on aluminum components
Oxide formation eats away at the parent material
from the outside, and it also forms an insulating
barrier for heat transfer.
Need to know 46
 Corrosion

aluminum oxide, often

found on coolant
outlet/stat cover

Need to know 47
 Metal Corrosion

This iron tube has

been ruined by rust.

Need to know 48
 Galvanic action

 Galvanic activity does not require an

outside source of voltage
 The higher the conductivity of the
coolant, the greater the amount of
corrosion

Need to know 49
 Metals

Nice to know 50
 Bi-Metal Corrosion

Ions move from more active metals to less active metal

through the coolant which acts like the electrolyte
Nice to know 51
 Electrolysis

Electrolysis requires the use of an outside voltage

source.
When electrical ions move from metal to the
coolant, they can take metal atoms with them. This
metal transfer can eat holes in a heater core or
radiator. Electrolysis holes will usually start from
the inside and have a dark coloration.

Need to know 52
 Scale

The oil cooler in this radiator tank is covered with white

scale. The scale caused the transmission fluid to overheat,
and this contributed to early transmission failure.
If the ECT sensor received a scale coating like this, what
would happen to engine and transmission performance?
Need to know 53
 Coolant Tests
Normal coolant tests include:
 Visual Inspection: should be clean and bright

 Freeze Point: high boiling point indicates dilution

 pH: wrong pH indicates buffer loss

 Coolant Voltage: high voltage indicates wrong pH

or stray current flow

 Miscellaneous or Fleet Concerns

Need to know 54
 Depletion Rate of Additives

Need to know 55
 Coolant Condition

This “green” antifreeze has a

clean, bright appearance. The
other types will have a different
color but should also appear clean
and bright.
A muddy brown or rust-reddish
color indicates that corrosion is
occurring.

Need to know 56
 Freeze
Protection, Refractometer
A few drops of coolant are placed
under the sample window. The
technician then holds the unit up Eye Piece
to light and looks through the eye
piece (right end).

Sample
Window

Need to know 57
 Refractometer Image
Shadow

Read Here

The image will show the amount

of freeze protection and is read at
the scale at the bottom edge of
the shadow. This unit can check
EG and PG antifreeze freeze
protection and battery specific
gravity.

Need to know 58
 Freeze Protection, Test Strips

Test strips will change color when

they are dipped into the coolant, and
the color change is compared to the
container.
Test strips are fairly accurate, easy to
use, and inexpensive.

Need to know 59
 Coolant Corrosion Protection

The new test strip color is compared to the color pads on

the container to determine the amount of freeze protection
and corrosion protection.

Need to know 60
 Freeze Protection, Hydrometer

? Accuracy

Need to know 61
 Can you trust this?

Need to know 62
 Testing Coolant with a Voltmeter
 This test gives variable and questionable
results depending on many factors
 Galvanic=less than 200 mV
 Electrolysis= (engine running and
accessories switched on and off)=less than
300 mV. This check can locate faulty
ground connections

Need to know 63
 Radiator Voltage
Connect the negative
voltmeter lead to a
good ground (this
radiator has a plastic
filler neck), and
immerse the positive
lead into the coolant. A
reading of 0.300 V or
greater indicates
corrosion is probably
occurring.

Need to know 64
 pH Tests

pH can be measure using test strips or a

meter.
Fairly accurate and costs pennies/test.

Need to know 65
 pH Meter

This Milwaukee is probably more accurate and cost $30.00.

Need to know 66
 Coolant Replacement
 About 15 to 20% remains in the system after it
has been drained
 Fill system with antifreeze first and top off with
water
 Or use premixed coolant for good results, and
adjust to 50-50 mix
 Be sure to use the specified coolant
 GM warns not to reuse coolant drained from the
system

Need to know 67
 Coolant Replacement-#2

 Check the pressure cap and radiator for faults

 Check all hoses and always use coolant hose

Need to know 68
 Ford Specifications
 Yellow-colored Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant, meeting Ford specification
WSS-M97B51-A1.
* Green-colored Motorcraft Premium
Engine Coolant, meeting Ford specification
ESE-M97B44-A.
* Orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty
Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Ford
specification WSS-M97B44-D.

Nice to know 69
 Universal Coolant?
 Universal antifreeze is a traditional green, all-purpose inorganic, additive formula suitable
for use in passenger cars and light duty trucks Chrysler/Ford <2003 & GM <1995).
 Arctic Blend Universal antifreeze/coolant contains a bittering agent to deter accidental
swallowing.
 ASTM D-3306
 • ASTM D-4340
 • ASTM D-4985
 • ASTM D-4656
 • ASTM D-6471
 • Cummins 90T8-4
 • Detroit Diesel 7SE298
 • GM 1825
 • GM 1899
 • GM 6038M
 • GM 1825M
 • SAE 1941
 • Thermo-King
 • TMC RP 302B
 • John Deere 8650-5

Nice to know 70
 Universal Coolant
 Universal Gold premixed antifreeze/coolant is a
universal, hybrid organic acid technology (HOAT),
extended life, low-silicate, phosphate-free
antifreeze/coolant suitable for automotive/light duty
and heavy duty diesel applications. This product was
formulated to meet Ford WSS M97B51-A1 and
Chrysler MS 9769 and other "global antifreeze" type
specifications, as well as ASTM D3306, D4985 and
D6210/11. Since this is a HOAT extended life
antifreeze/ coolant it combines carboxylate organic
acid salts with conventional inorganic salts and
azoles; making it compatible with both extended life
and conventional technology antifreeze/coolants.

Nice to know 71
 Universal Coolant

Arctic Blend, Recycool, and Prestone Prime are

coolants that have been formulated to be used in
any vehicle. Two of these are ethylene glycol-based
and one is propylene glycol-based. Exact
specifications are available on the internet.

Nice to know 72
 Passivation
 Passivate is a chemical reaction the takes place
between coolant additives and the metal that it
protects. It is fairly fast, a few days, with some
combinations and slow, weeks, with others. It
creates the barrier between the metal and corrosion,
and each chemical creates it's own barrier. Each
chemical package (IAT, OAT, or HOAT) does its own
passivation, and if you change chemical packages,
passivation has to start over, possibly impeded by
the earlier package.
 
 It boils down to: DO NOT CHANGE PACKAGES.

Nice to know 73
 Coolant Recovery and Storage

Some shops recycle used

antifreeze
Should be stored until
picked up for recycling
Notice double containers
to help avoid spills

Need to know 74
 Flushing a Dirty System
1. Drain system
2. Fill system with clean water & chemical
3. Run system to operating temp. (Heater on)
4. Drain system & fill with clean water
5. Repeat until drain water runs clear
Any remaining flush agent will upset pH.
6. Fill system with 50/50 antifreeze/water mix
7. Run system to operating temp. (Heater on)
8. Adjust coolant level
Caution: If flushing a really dirty system,
be prepared to repair some leaks.
Need to know 75
 Flushing

Some communities permit draining into sewer.

EG and PG will biodegrade. There is a problem
however if coolant is spilled on open ground.
Need to know 76
 Be sure to clean the
overflow/surge tank

It should empty if you

start draining with the
cap in place.

Need to know 77
 Mix Coolant 50/50 or use premix

? 78
 Coolant Exchange Machine

Most shops use machines

like this.

Coolant drains have

become fragile and hard
to find.

Need to know 79
 Always check or
replace the radiator pressure cap

The cap can be located on

1. the radiator
2. The coolant recovery reservoir
3. The upper radiator hose
Note the pressure.

Need to know 80
 Cap has two seals
Upper Seal

Filler Neck

Lower Seal

To CRR

What will happen if the upper seal fails?

What will happen if the lower seal fails?
Need to know 81
 Never open when hot!
1 psi will increase the coolant boiling point 2.7oF.
A 15 lb. Cap will increase the BP 40.5oF.

What can happen if the cap is removed from a hot system?

Need to know 82
 Proper Fill

All of the air must be removed from the

cooling system by one of these methods:
 Bleeder screw: lets air escape

 Air Lift: evacuates system before fill

 Spill-Free Funnel: Lisle #22150

 Fluid Exchange: requires special equipment

Need to know 83
 Bleeder Valves
 Use a clear hose attached
to the bleeder valve and
the other end in a
“suitable” container
 Prevents coolant from
getting on the engine and
gives the technician a
visual clue as to color of
coolant
Need to know 84
 Leak Detection

A good system holds pressure

Tracer dye and some antifreezes glow under UV light

Need to know 85
 What should Technician's do?
 Check service information for the designated coolant
and replacement interval
 Check the coolant appearance and level at every
service
 Check the pressure cap appearance at every service
 Check the appearance and pH for signs that the
coolant should be replaced before the regular service
interval
 Check Freeze Point, pH, and Galvanic/Electrolysis

Need to know 86
 Typical Questions/Answers

1. Are all green antifreezes the same?

A. No-Chrysler used HOAT coolant that was green
like IAT coolant

2. Can DEX-COOL be replaced with conventional

green coolant?
A. Yes, but then the coolant has be replaced
every 24 months or 24,000 miles
87
 Questions/Answers

3. Can coolants be mixed?

A. No

4. Is DEX-COOL propylene glycol ?

A. No. DEX-COOL and all other coolants are
ethylene glycol except one labeled
propylene glycol and is never used from
the factory
88
 Summary
 Not all coolants are the same
 Not all tap water is OK to use
 Premixed coolant usually produces good
results
 Check the coolant freezing/boiling point
 Check the coolant pH
 Always check or replace the pressure cap,
especially on DEX-COOL vehicles
89