ASTM Test Your Anti-Freeze!

[Chris Sheldon 1]

It's starting to cool down guys, so I wanted to alert you to an important and often ignored maintenance item.

Be sure check the condition of your antifreeze to be sure that is is capable of protecting your engine(s) during the winter months. If your antifreeze is not up to spec, it could freeze inside of your engine causing significant damage. Check not only your TM (if you have a liquid cooled TM) but also your Van's engine.

It is very easy to do and you can buy a cheap tester at any auto parts store. Here is a pic of what a antifreeze tester looks like. It is a good item to keep in the tool box!

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[Jim Martin]

I use my meter on mine...........If the reading on the meter is .4 or more......then I replace it.....don't know why I do it that way....just what some old dude showed me many moons ago.........

 

[jimeckmo]

Like a volt/ohm meter, Jim?

 

[Jim Martin]

Like a volt/ohm meter, Jim?

yep.....most accurate way of testing it.............

 

[Chris Sheldon 1]

But was does ".4" tell you Jim? I am sure the multimeter is fine if you know how to read the numbers and what they represent.

With a tester, it tells you what temperature you are good to...kind of "dummy proof", for dummies like me!

 

[Jim Martin]

the meter will tell you if it is broken down and needs replaced......reads the density of the anti-freeze......

 

[spotman123]

Has anyone besides Jim try this?

 

[AdmiralClean]

I only had one of my vehicles that tested higher than zero, and it was testing at 5 degrees. However, my youngest daughter just totalled that particuler car, so I won't have to worry about flushing the radiator.

 

[spotman123]

I saw this post today and wanted to bring it back up as a reminder to all as the temps here in the northeast are going downhill...

 

[spotman123]

I see a lot of cleaners using the RV style antifreeze for winterizing. Is there a way to determine if it needs to be replenished such as metering a van/TM radiator antifreeze? I had purchased window washer fluid rated to -20F and the stuff froze at 10F. Perhaps I got a bad batch or dyed water?...

 

[Mick Ellis 1]

I have heard that anti freeze can be fatal for cats.
So if your a cat lover and accidentally spill some while changing/topping up, be sure to mop it up.
I have not heard anything about dogs but, i still ensure there is none around that my dog might sample.

 

[Omar]

Can anyone explain to me the proper way to run antifreeze in your tm. Also, if your tm is going to sit all winter, how often should i do this?

 

[Gasoline]

Can anyone explain to me the proper way to run antifreeze in your tm. Also, if your tm is going to sit all winter, how often should i do this?

This should be in the resource section. Maybe a sticky.


Do it once if you are planning to store it long term.

Do it regularly if you use it regularly and it is getting close to freezing. Like 45 degrees. Or so.

 

[Gasoline]

Can anyone explain to me the proper way to run antifreeze in your tm. Also, if your tm is going to sit all winter, how often should i do this?

What is your set up?

 

[Omar]

Ez 35/47 i would like to get the ball rolling before cold but, it may not happen. I currently have a job, so it may just sit till the weather snaps. That way i can save up. Im in PA and we are one of the states that get the most days under 30 degrees and i have no garage.

 

[Gasoline]

Ez 35/47 i would like to get the ball rolling before cold but, it may not happen. I currently have a job, so it may just sit till the weather snaps. That way i can save up. Im in PA and we are one of the states that get the most days under 30 degrees and i have no garage.

Is there a water box or a mix tank with your set up?

5 gallon stock that chemical feeds the mix tank?

 

[Gasoline]

Anything with water, gotta protect. Lines, heat exchanger, pump, mix tank, fresh water tank - if you keep it outside. I would try to get the waste tank as dry as possible too.

 

[Omar]

I believe water box is inside the waste tank, but is not used. Nick uses the fresh water tank in place of the waterbox. There is a chemical injection hose but theres no tank for it. Nick does fresh water rinse only, he said he would show me the chemical injection stuff later on.

 

[Gasoline]

I believe water box is inside the waste tank, but is not used. Nick uses the fresh water tank in place of the waterbox. There is a chemical injection hose but theres no tank for it. Nick does fresh water rinse only, he said he would show me the chemical injection stuff later on.

I would ask Nick the best way to run anti freeze through it. I am not familiar enough with that set up. I only know my own, some of that info transfers to yours, but I know I would miss something, if I were to explain what I do. Better to be safe and get the real deal from him. He might have a video on it. Not sure though.

Idea is to either remove all water from the system or treat it with anti-freeze. If you can't get all water out, treat it to be safe.

I would think about getting your van insulated too. I put a moving blanket over the roof and then a large reflective tarp over that. Heater goes inside back. Van is parked inside non heated garage though. Helps, but not perfect. I put a thermometer on the dash. So I can read it from outside and not have to open the door. I try to hit 50 degrees. And this is after running the antifreeze. Might be overboard, but it gives me peace of mind.

 

[Omar]

Thx, ill insulate it treat it and run a heater this winter just to see how effective that would be.

Thermometer is a great idea. Not sure if the prime will stay on with no water.