Coolant strength test?

**F5 Dave** · 24th June 2008, 10:30

ok coming in late here, but 'coolant' is generally primarily concerned with two functions. Antifreeze & anti corrosion properties. Both of these tend to fall off after a while hence replacing the coolant every couple of years is a good idea.

So if your bike gets hot it isn't really the coolant's fault. If it was showing 98deg then there could have been some localised boiling so expansion is likely. Most fans won't come on till after 100 degrees for some crazy reason.

If it gets really foul from corrosion then heat transfer will suffer.

Some coolants contain 'water wetter' to thin viscosity that helps cooling, but typical gycol ones won't.

**CB ARGH** · 24th June 2008, 10:39

Coolant in it's pure form is usually Green to Dark Green. Now different types may already be pre-mixed so you pour it straight in... perhaps they diluted a pre-mixed solution

I hate science.

**Motu** · 24th June 2008, 17:59

To test coolant you use test strips (litmus paper) to find the Ph,or you use a hydrometer.Another way is to test the voltage.Colour will tell you nothing - it only an added for customers to look at.If you have any doubts,get it tested and come back with your findings.

**Owl** · 25th June 2008, 06:56

Originally Posted by Motu

To test coolant you use test strips (litmus paper) to find the Ph,or you use a hydrometer.Another way is to test the voltage.Colour will tell you nothing - it only an added for customers to look at.If you have any doubts,get it tested and come back with your findings.

Yeah, I'll get some test strips and try that. I'll be sure to report my findings. Cheers!

**GSVR** · 25th June 2008, 09:39

Since this threads full of coolant experts and pedantics at the moment I was wondering what is the diffence between the expensive coolant and the cheap stuff? I always use the cheap shit and dilute it with water if I don't have enough.

Water actually cools better than glycol but if your taking your bike up the mountain skiing or live to far south you will definately need it.

The anticorrosion additives you definately need.

**cheviot** · 25th June 2008, 18:49

If you know anyone at a transport company the may be able to get you some of the strip they test the DCA in the coolant with. You can also buy them from Transport Wholesale or similar transport suppliers. The strips will let you know the ph and antifreeze %in you bike. I think Paccar or fleetgaurd make the test kits.

**TKDSKIP** · 25th June 2008, 21:52

The colour is coolant is just a dye to show that it is in there and help identify any cooling system leaks. In this part of the world it is green, in the States its yellow and the Japs like it red.
The different colours wont help determine the quality or mix of antifreeze. If in doubt check with whoever did the service they should proudly tell you that it was filled with a quality product.

**Owl** · 25th June 2008, 23:24

Originally Posted by TKDSKIP

The colour is coolant is just a dye to show that it is in there and help identify any cooling system leaks. In this part of the world it is green, in the States its yellow and the Japs like it red.
The different colours wont help determine the quality or mix of antifreeze. If in doubt check with whoever did the service they should proudly tell you that it was filled with a quality product.

Unfortunately, I no longer trust them to tell the truth. I've already caught them out telling porkies. They made a point of telling me they didn't have to remove my tank, but then I discovered the front tank mount missing. I found it sitting on the splash guard in front of the airbox and I know damn well I didn't leave it like that.
The coolant is just one issue, but I want to have my facts straight before I tackle them!

**Buddha#81:Me** · 26th June 2008, 07:13

Originally Posted by Ferris

Yeah, I'll get some test strips and try that. I'll be sure to report my findings. Cheers!

You can get a test kit from Gough Gough and Hamer, it goes to our Oil Lab in Christchurch (free post) and they will test it, you will have results, on line within 24 hrs. http://www.oillab.co.nz/products/_de...olant_kit.html

**Owl** · 26th June 2008, 17:15

Originally Posted by Buddha#81

You can get a test kit from Gough Gough and Hamer, it goes to our Oil Lab in Christchurch (free post) and they will test it, you will have results, on line within 24 hrs. http://www.oillab.co.nz/products/_de...olant_kit.html

Cheers Buddha, but that's a little over the top. I don't think this will have to be 100% accurate.

**slopster** · 26th June 2008, 17:30

just see if it tastes the same as the stuff in your car. Should be a strong sickly sweet flavour. Make sure you spit and don't swallow - its quite bad for the kidneys apparantly.