What is the voltage .... of your antifreeze?

[Chiadog]

Anyone heard of this before? Checking antifreeze condition by measuring its voltage differential from ground?
I saw this on PBS MOTORWEEK today: http://www.motorweek.org/features/goss_ ... lant-check

[vibrologist]

That's cool Chiadog! I will try that soon.

[ctgottapee]

Yeah I've done that before on an older car with the old school green antifreeze

not sure how useful the number is which diff fluids and different makes

[Chiadog]

Yeah I've done that before on an older car with the old school green antifreeze

not sure how useful the number is which diff fluids and different makes

Good question! Type of antifreeze was never mentioned in the segment on TV, so I've got to guess this would work on all types. Plus the link has a picture of Dexcool and Peak Long Life.
http://www.motorweek.org/images/goss_ga ... goss_3.jpg

[lannvouivre]

Not surprising, pH is related to the concentration of ions! Unless I'm forgetting my college chem II course.

[circuitsmith]

The chemical makeup of the antifreeze doesn't make much difference, except of course the pH.
For the best accuracy the dipping probe should be copper.
That can be a short piece of bare red copper wire or copper tubing held on a multimeter probe.
Voltage should be checked with the engine off as well as on.
A significant difference is evidence of a poor ground connection in the car's electrical system.

[Jbenrod]

My research lead me to believe the test is NOT valid unless you use a neutral platinum test lead in the coolant.