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Coolant test strips

I know there some old threads on this subject. But has anyone recently used test strips to check the OAT (Mobil ELC) coolant condition? If so what brand. I need to drain coolant to replace a few hoses to the filter and change the thermostat. I thought I would check the coolant rather than just change a couple hundred bucks of coolant.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #1 –
Bruce,

Contact the maker of YOUR coolant to determine what test strips work with your coolant.  Then, verify that the test strips you get are still in-date.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bbeane –
I know there some old threads on this subject. But has anyone recently used test strips to check the OAT (Mobil ELC) coolant condition? If so what brand. I need to drain coolant to replace a few hoses to the filter and change the thermostat. I thought I would check the coolant rather than just change a couple hundred bucks of coolant.

Hello Bruce, you do not need test strips to test the SCA level, or a SCA filter, you use a zero SCA filter with Mobile OAT ELC  (see the following link to benefits of your coolant)

If you want to check for other things, place the following, below in caps, in the search engine of Amazon, and many test strip products will come up. 
ACUSTRIP FLUID DIAGNOSTIC TEST STRIPS - HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES

Mobil Delvac EXTENDED LIFE Coolant/Antifreeze
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #3 –
That will be my next coolant. Thanks.
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #4 –
Bruce, what I do is find a truck shop that sells the OAT 4-way test strips and go there and buy one.  Otherwise you will have to buy a large quantity that will time-out before you use them.

I even take a sample of my coolant with me to the shop and ask one of the techs to dip and read one of the strips,  because the colors are never exactly matching and I don't do the test regularly enough to have the discerning eye that a full-time tech does.

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #5 –
I use Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT and their test strips.  The coolant is red in color.

Coolant and test strips.
Coolant Filters
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan
 

Re: Coolant test strips

Reply #6 –
Thanks for all the info. I'll call Mobile Monday and see what test they recommend if any.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country