Coolant tester

[bmwpower]

These things any good?

 

[Red Green]

I prefere the style that has the needle on a pin.

 

[bry@n]

I prefere the style that has the needle on a pin.

Thats what I have an it works for me.

 

[Toolhorder]

Those work I guess but I like the refractor kind.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on what type of coolant you're using them on. For freeze protection it's ok. However, it won't show ph or electrolysis. Dip strips, although, not as cheap do a better job. A refractometer is another option.

 

[Toolhorder]

It depends on what type of coolant you're using them on. For freeze protection it's ok. However, it won't show ph or electrolysis. Dip strips, although, not as cheap do a better job. A refractometer is another option.

Ha! beat you to it!

 

[bmxr4life87]

yeah i prefer the strips we use them at work tells you the freeze point the ph and something else then i prefer the refractometer type

 

[Toolhorder]

yeah i prefer the strips we use them at work tells you the freeze point the ph and something else then i prefer the refractometer type

One disadvantage to those strips is the shelf life. They don't have a long shelf life. I bought a small bottle with the strips and in a yr. they were expired and wouldn't work.

 

[bmwpower]

Cost and source for the strips?

 

[Stick]

Don't forget you can check the state of the additives in the coolant using a multimeter. Negative lead to batt negative, and positive lead in the coolant with engine running. Should be under 0.5V DC, or the additive package is probably bad.

 

[Fedwrench]

Cost and source for the strips?

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-191-acustrip-1550.aspx

Here's one type. Most auto parts stores that cater to shops like Napa or Carquest have them.

 

[Toolhorder]

Cost and source for the strips?

Got mine from Matco truck. Can't remember the cost. Under $10 I think. In a shop the strips are great because you can staple them to the RO and the customer can actually see the strip's color so they feel more like you're not trying to upsale them.

 

[vc-onthepc]

strips are good but if you arent doing a ton of coolant checking use a refractometer....strips have a use by date on them .....i ALWAYS USED TO THROW THEM AWAY BEFORE EMPTYING THE CONTAINER !!!FOR BEING OUT OF DATE