foresterdj
Full Access Member
Has turned winter here in Bemidji. This morning I took a draw with the anti-freeze tester and only 3 of 5 balls would float. This would indicate a freeze protection of only -10 degrees, not nearly enough. While in town I picked up some new ethylene glycol standard green antifreeze and also a bottle of NAPA Kool and some new test strips so I could be sure my SCA level was ok. Back in the shop later in the afternoon I dipped a couple test strips to see where my SCA level was before draining any coolant. The SCA level by color looked to be just right, then I looked at the middle pad (for freeze protection level) and it showed at least -34 degrees if not a bit beyond that (the next and lowest color being -60). Ph color seemed to match a neutral 8.
Both test strips changed color the same. I used the other tester again and still only 3 balls floating, 2 sinking to the bottom of the dropper.
So what do you guys think about these two very different test results? There is a big difference between -10 degree and -34 or a bit lower degree, especially when we will almost certainly dip into that -30 to -40 range during the winter. Do I drain some from the system and add some straight antifreeze and some NAPA Kool or call it good as is?
Both test strips changed color the same. I used the other tester again and still only 3 balls floating, 2 sinking to the bottom of the dropper.
So what do you guys think about these two very different test results? There is a big difference between -10 degree and -34 or a bit lower degree, especially when we will almost certainly dip into that -30 to -40 range during the winter. Do I drain some from the system and add some straight antifreeze and some NAPA Kool or call it good as is?