Freeze Protection, Checking And Adding Coolant Additive
Use only distilled water for mixing coolant additives. Optimum corrosion protection can be reached only by using distilled water.
The water used for mixing greatly influences the effectiveness of the coolant. Do to the different water contents which can vary due to country or region, the water quality used is defined. Distilled water fulfills all the requirements. For this reason mix coolant with distilled water when supplementing and refilling the cooling system.
Coolant in the correct mixing ratio prevents freezing and corrosion damage as well as scaling. The boiling point is also increased. For these reasons the cooling system must have coolant additive the whole year.
Especially in countries with tropical climates or when vehicle is driven under heavy load, the coolant improves the engine reliability by its increased boiling point.
Refractometer T10007A MUST be used to determine the actual freeze protection.
The freeze protection must be set to -13° F (-25 °C), for countries with an artic climate, it must be set to -33° F (-36 °C). The freeze protection can be increased only when a stronger freeze protection is required due to climatic conditions. The freeze protection can be set only down to -55° F (-48 °C), otherwise the cooling effect of the coolant will be impaired.
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water, even during the warmer season. The freeze protection must be a minimum of -13° F (-25 °C).
Read off the freeze protection value on the scale for each refilled coolant additive.
The temperature on the Refractometer T10007A corresponds to the crystalization point. At this temperature, the first flakes of ice begin to form.
Do not re-use used coolant.
Use only water/coolant additive as lubricant for the coolant hoses.
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Refractometer T10007 or
- Refractometer T10007 A
Read the bright/ark boundary to obtain an accurate reading for the following tests. Place a drop of water on the glass to improve the readability of the bright/dark boundary. The bright/dark boundary can be clearly recognized on the "WATERLINE".
-- Check the concentration of the coolant additive using the Refractometer T10007 (read the Operating Instructions) or Refractometer T10007 A (read the Operating Instructions).
The refractometer scale -1- applies to coolant additives G 11; G 12; G 12+ and G 12++.
The scale -2- is designed only for coolant additive G13.
-- Drain some of the coolant and add coolant additive according to the mixture ratio if the freeze protection is inadequate. Refer to COOLANT LEVEL, CHECKING AND ADDING COOLANT ADDITIVE .
The freeze protection must be ensured down to approximately -13° F (-25 °C)..
If you cannot clearly determine which coolant additive is in the coolant system, use the scale -2- for coolant additive G13.
Follow all disposal regulations.
-- Check the freeze protection after the road test.