1. Tom Birch Jim Halderman
Coolants
Tom Birch
Jim Halderman 1

2. Introductions: Tom Birch
Retired instructor from Yuba College, Marysville, CA.
Author of many automotive textbooks
Former officer in CAT and NACAT Board Member

3. Jim Halderman
Former flat-rate technician and instructor and a business owner. Author of many automotive books and lives in Dayton, Ohio. 3

4. Topics to be Discussed Engine coolants- Purpose and function
Water (1/2 of the coolant)
Coolant Types
Cooling system testing
Cooling system service 4

5. What is Coolant? Coolant is a mixture of: 1. Water (50%)
2. Anti-Freeze (ethylene glycol-about 93%)
3. Corrosion inhibitors (additives)
Additives: About 3%
Ethylene Glycol: 47%
Water: 50%
Coolant 5 5
Need to know

6. Water Water is the principal ingredient and:
1. Is inexpensive Is a very efficient heat exchange fluid 3. Has excellent thermal conductivity Has a good specific heat Freezes at 32°F (0°C) Boils at 212°F (100°C)
The water used in coolant must be clean & pure. 6 6
Need to know

7. 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— Iron <1 ppm 7 7
Nice to know

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

9. Ethylene Glycol (EG)
Ethylene glycol is the base antifreeze used in every OEM factory fill.
The additive package will vary. 9
Need to know

10. Propylene Glycol (PG) 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 10
Need to know

11. 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. 11
Need to know

12. Bittered States
At this time, 7/20/10, 12 states require antifreeze with a bittering agent: dentonium benzoate. They are:
Arizona
New Mexico
Virginia
California
Oregon
Vermont
Maine
Tennessee
Washington
New Jersey
Utah
Wisconsin
4 states: Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ohio are working on a similar rule.

13. OAT=DEX-COOL is one brand13
Nice to know

14. HOAT=Red; Pink; Yellow or Blue14
Nice to know

15. 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). 15
Need to know

16. Coolant Summary Nice to know
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.
Edited 16
Nice to know

17. pH Tests pH can be measure using test strips or a meter.
Fairly accurate and costs pennies/test. 17
Need to know

18. Metal Corrosion This iron tube has been ruined by rust. Need to know18
Need to know

19. 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. 19
Need to know

20. Bi-Metal Corrosion
Ions move from more active metals to less active metal through the coolant which acts like the electrolyte 20
Nice to know

21. 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 V or greater indicates corrosion is probably occurring.
We should follow this with static and dynamic volt checks 21
Need to know

22. 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. 22
Need to know

23. Universal Coolant Arctic Blend Recycool Prestone Prime
coolants that have been formulated to be used in any vehicle 23
Nice to know

24. Additives The major additives: 1. Reduce corrosion
2. Buffer (control) pH
3. Add color (dye) 24 24
Need to know

25. 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. 25 25
Need to know

26. IAT (Usually Green in Color)
Inorganic Additive Technology (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. 26 26
Need to know

27. 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. 27 27
Need to know

28. OAT-continued NAPS=nitrates, amines, phosphate and silicate free28
Nice to know

29. OAT=DEX-COOL is one brand29
Nice to know

30. DEX-COOL Concerns Root cause= air entering system
Check cap replace cap
Air causes ‘Brown Gunk’
Rust then causes blockages 30
Need to know

31. Rust in Engine
DEX-COOL + Air= rust or DEX-COOL + core sand = Brown gunk
I feel that this should follow Slide 43 as a coolant related problem: corrosion 31
Need to know

32. 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 32
Need to know

33. 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 33
Nice to know

34. 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. 34 34
Need to know

35. HOAT=Red; Pink; Yellow or Blue35
Nice to know

36. POAT Coolant Phosphated Organic Acid Technology (POAT)
Dark Green in color
Used in Mazda-based Fords (2008+)
same as Mazda FL-22
$34.95 per gallon

37. Ford Motor Company & E-OAT
The E = European, low silicate and phosphate free
Ford of Europe has validated Dex-Cool and uses it with no problems.
Ford of U.S. has reengineered all of their new engines (No- Cavitation water pumps and no-silicone rubber or Nylon 66) to work with this formula.

38. Ford/Mercury Coolant
Pre —
The 1999—2001 Cougar used a OAT Dex-Cool clone, but had issues with water pump cavitation.

39. Dex-Cool & OAT that meets GM Spec.
Prestone markets an OAT antifreeze (Extended Life)
“compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant”) that meets the GM Dex-Cool spec.
it is less expensive than Dex-Cool-labeled products because of no-royalty cost.

40. Passivation
Passivation= is a chemical reaction the takes place between coolant additives and the metal that it protects
Takes a few days or few weeks
It creates barrier between the metal and corrosion
 Each chemical package does its own passivation
if you change chemical packages, passivation has to start over
It boils down to: DO NOT CHANGE PACKAGES. 40
Nice to know

41. “G” Designations
G= Glysantin –trade name of BASF. Valvoline (Zerex) in the US.
G30, G33, G34= non-silicate and phosphate free (DEX-COOL replacement)
G05 = Phosphate free-low silicates (Asian formula and Chrysler HOAT)
Most people could care less about “G” designations as its one brand, Can we combine 31, 32 & 33? 41
Nice to know

42. “G” Designations-continued
G11=Blue VW used before 1997
G12=Pink/Red VW 1997+
G12=Purple VW 2003+
HOAT formulation; phosphate free 42 ?

43. “G” Designations-continued
G48=Low Silicate and Phosphate free
Blue Color
NAP =nitrates, amines, phosphate free
BMW 43 ?

44. 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). 44
Need to know

45. 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 45 45
Need to know

46. New scan 46

47. Coolant Summary Nice to know
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.
Edited 47
Nice to know

48. Depletion Rate of Additives48
Need to know

49. Substance pH
Hydrochloric acid -1.0
Battery acid 0.5
Lemon juice 2.4
Cola 2.5
Vinegar 2.9
Orange or Apple juice 3.5
Acid Rain <5.0
Tea or healthy skin 5.5
Milk 6.5
Pure water 7.0
Healthy human saliva 6.5 – 7.4
Blood – 7.45
Sea water 7.7 – 8.3
Hand soap – 10.0
Household ammonia 11.5
Bleach
Household lye 13.5
Caustic Soda 13.9 pH
Acid
pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution Less than 7 is considered acidic. Greater than 7 is considered alkaline.
Alkaline 49 49
Nice to know

50. pH Effects Fresh antifreeze pH= 9 and 11 Used coolant pH= 7.5 and 10
It can also increase electrolysis
( the dissimilar metals in contact with an electrolyte can produce a simple battery) 50 50
Need to know

51. pH of various coolants IAT= 9.0-10.5 new
OAT= new (G30 and G34 designation)
HOAT= new (G05,G48,G11 or G12 designation) 51
Need to know

52. Desired pH 52
Need to know

53. pH Tests pH can be measure using test strips or a meter.
Fairly accurate and costs pennies/test. 53
Need to know

54. pH Meter This Milwaukee is probably more accurate and cost $30.00.54
Need to know

55. Corrosion Corrosion is the “decomposition of metal”
(called rust or aluminum oxide, the whitish material that forms on aluminum components)
Oxide formation:
eats away at the parent material from the outside
forms an insulating barrier for heat transfer 55 55
Need to know

56. Metal Corrosion This iron tube has been ruined by rust. Need to know56
Need to know

57. Corrosion aluminum oxide, often found on coolant outlet/stat cover57 57
Need to know

58. Corroded Water Pump
I see scale (white stuff) on the pump impeller and dark gunk, missing material from blades show evidence of corrosion
One of the reasons for the removal of silicates from coolant 58
Need to know

59. Corroded pump can cause:
reduced coolant flow
and an overheating condition 59
Need to know

60. 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 . 60 60
Need to know

61. Cavitation Damage
The very low pressure can produce gas bubbles that implode next to a metal surface. The implosion blasts particles from the surface. 61
Need to know

62. 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. 62
Need to know

63. 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 63
Need to know

64. Metals 64
Nice to know

65. Bi-Metal Corrosion
Ions move from more active metals to less active metal through the coolant which acts like the electrolyte 65
Nice to know

66. 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. 66 66
Need to know

67. 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 67
Need to know

68. 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 V or greater indicates corrosion is probably occurring.
We should follow this with static and dynamic volt checks 68
Need to know

69. 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. 69
Need to know

70. Freeze Protection, Refractometer
A few drops of coolant are placed under the sample window. The technician then holds the unit up to light and looks through the eye piece (right end).
Eye Piece
Sample Window 70
Need to know

71. 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. 71
Need to know

72. 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. 72 72
Need to know

73. 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. 73
Need to know

74. Coolant Replacement
15 to 20% remains in the system after it has been drained
Fill system with antifreeze first and top off with water
Be sure to use the specified coolant
(GM warns not to reuse coolant drained from the system)
(Mercedes has a lifetime coolant, drain, filter, & reuse)
Moved 74
Need to know

75. Coolant Replacement-#2
Moved
Check the pressure cap and radiator for faults
Check all hoses and always use coolant hose 75
Need to know

76. Universal Coolant
Universal Gold =HOAT, extended life, low-silicate, phosphate-free antifreeze/coolant.
This product meets Ford WSS M97B51-A1 and Chrysler MS 9769 and other "global antifreeze" type specifications, as well as ASTM D3306, D4985 and D6210/11
See new Slide 75 76
Nice to know

77. Universal Coolant Arctic Blend Recycool Prestone Prime
coolants that have been formulated to be used in any vehicle 77
Nice to know

78. Coolant Recovery and Storage
Some shops recycle used antifreeze
Should be stored until picked up for recycling
Notice double containers to help avoid spills 78
Need to know

79. Flushing a Dirty System
1. Drain system Fill system with clean water & chemical Run system to operating temp. (Heater on) 4. Drain system & fill with clean water Repeat until drain water runs clear Any remaining flush agent will upset pH 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. 79
Need to know

80. Flushing
Some communities permit draining into sewer. EG and PG will biodegrade. There is a problem however if coolant is spilled on open ground. 80
Need to know

81. Be sure to clean the overflow/surge tank
It should empty if you start draining with the cap in place. 81
Need to know

82. Mix Coolant 50/50 or use premix
See Slide 70 82 ?

83. Coolant Exchange Machine
Most shops use machines like this.
Coolant drains have become fragile and hard to find. 83
Need to know

84. TECH TIP Check the freezing Point after service
Should be -34 degrees F (proper 50/50 mix)
If higher (i.e. -20 F) this means that there is too much water.
If lower (i.e. -40 F) this means that there is too much antifreeze

85. Always check or replace the radiator pressure cap
The cap can be located on
the radiator
The coolant recovery reservoir
The upper radiator hose
Note the pressure. 85
Need to know

86. 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? 86
Need to know

87. 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? 87
Need to know

88. 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
New 88
Need to know

89. 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 89
Need to know

90. Leak Detection A good system holds pressure
Text added
A good system holds pressure
Tracer dye and some antifreezes glow under UV light 90
Need to know

91. 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
Edited 91
Need to know

92. 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 92

93. 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 93

94. 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 94

95. Resource materials

96. Contact Information
Tom Birch
Jim Halderman-
Edited 96