Do I need to replace coolant?
#1
12-18-2011, 02:35 PM
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#2
12-18-2011, 02:46 PM
You can check your coolant's condition with a multimeter (for electrolysis) and a basic coolant tester (for dilution level) from most places that sell coolant. The factory coolant is supposed to last some time. However, I still change it according to most "normal" recommendations of 2 to 3 years, or about 30,000 miles.
#3
12-19-2011, 03:26 PM
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Thank you, darthroush.
I checked my coolant and manual. My coolant look like Mopar HOAT. It can last 5 years/100,000 miles and color is red. Is it ok if the coolant is replaced in 2012 or 2013?
miles
I checked my coolant and manual. My coolant look like Mopar HOAT. It can last 5 years/100,000 miles and color is red. Is it ok if the coolant is replaced in 2012 or 2013?
miles
#4
12-19-2011, 06:06 PM
I'd check it for electrolysis with a multimeter, and if the level is fine, you could wait a bit more. When you go to change it, if you want to go with the regular green coolant, just be sure to use a cooling system cleaner to clean out the HOAT. Good to clean the system out a bit anyways.
I've seen 0.05 volts means it's a good time to change the coolant as well.
Can electrolysis be measured? At the heart of the electrolysis issue is it's measurement. If it can be measured, it's presence can be verified, which is extremely important when we are removing the electrolysis.
It is a simple measurement, a digital VOM is needed, simply attach one lead to the negative battery post, and with the other, dip it in the coolant. Should read zero right? Maybe just a bad ground? Try this, remove a battery post. Still reading .3v or above? It's not a loose ground your after.... You better keep reading.
Factoid #2 If you have a reading of more than .3v, (three tenths), you have electrolysis. Generally, a reading of hundredths (.01-.09v) is below the action level, and will not result in aluminum failure.
It is a simple measurement, a digital VOM is needed, simply attach one lead to the negative battery post, and with the other, dip it in the coolant. Should read zero right? Maybe just a bad ground? Try this, remove a battery post. Still reading .3v or above? It's not a loose ground your after.... You better keep reading.
Factoid #2 If you have a reading of more than .3v, (three tenths), you have electrolysis. Generally, a reading of hundredths (.01-.09v) is below the action level, and will not result in aluminum failure.