Any recommendations as to what test strips to purchase for testing coolant ?. Many different types out there. One thing Im not sure of if I have LLC coolant or ELC.
Thx
Hans
Hans,
You need to know the specific coolant. If you haven't had it changed, or can't get the info from the PO, it's time to change it yourself, then start using the coolant strips at 6 mo intervals.
Correct. If you don't know the chemistry, no way to select test strips.
Best advice, change the coolant and KNOW what you have. Coolant is cheap-- engines and radiators are NOT.
Since you have a Caterpillar engine, I would use Caterpillar ELC. Six years and no checking or adding chemicals.
if you use a OAT based ELC coolant, such as Peak Final Charge Global, it is my understanding that testing or test strips are not needed for at least 3 years.
Hans,
you may want to consider sending off a sample of the coolant for testing Cost is in the 20.00 range, and IMHO worth the spend.
They will tell you far more about the coolant than a test strip.
I may be wrong here, but I believe the color of the coolant will give you insight to what you have.
It would be prudent to identify what coolant you have. Switching to ELC means you need to flush the system. Its not a bad idea regardless. Green coolant does not mix well with red or pink. There is however coolant that is universal.
The cat has green coolant....is that ELC.??
Hans
No, it is red.
Caterpillar's standard low silicate for diesel with added SCA is green.