Testing antifreeze concentration

[ghost123uk]

My DG has a very slight drip from it's head seal. It only needs topping up, about 1/2 to 1 Ltr, about once a month. I usually carry a 1Ltr bottle of 50/50 (Comma Extreme Red) to top up with, but occasionally I forget to re-fill it, so I have to top up with water. I usually remember next time to top up with neat antifreeze to maintain the required 50/50 concentration, but over time I am not now sure how close it will be to 50/50

I would like to check it, but the testers I see on Ebay don't seem to read "concentration", more "protection level", plus they state they are for Ethyl Glycol antifreeze and I suspect the Comma Extreme red is not simple Ethyl Glycol.

Any suggestions folk? (other than draining and starting over )

[Dazco]

Could you use a brewing hydrometer, mix some 50/50, check with hydrometer then compare with what you have in the van.
Might work.

[itchyfeet]

Occasionally top up with neat and stop worrying
dont suppose your head bolts will suddenly rust if the %age falls a bit, the 50% is a guess work figure afaik

[NicBeeee]

The halfords 1.99 tester is for ethyl glycol and is suitable for OAT

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel ... tester-meg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Extreme red is ethyl glycol with OAT (Organic Additive Technology) inhibitors.

http://www.commaoil.com/passenger-vehic ... s/view/351" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mix some 50/50 and see were the balls are in the tester first

[NicBeeee]

The halfords 1.99 tester is for ethyl glycol and is suitable for OAT

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel ... tester-meg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Extreme red is ethyl glycol with OAT (Organic Additive Technology) inhibitors.

http://www.commaoil.com/passenger-vehic ... s/view/351" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mix some 50/50 and see were the balls are in the tester first

as I guess it works on the viscocity of the water,l never used one so I dont know how good they are

[marlinowner]

They work by measuring the density, ethylene glycol is denser than water.

[CovKid]

I'm with Itchyfeet on this.

[ghost123uk]

I'm with Itchyfeet on this.

Oh yes, I agree, it doesn't have to be that accurate I know. However the idea above from Dazco and echoed by some others is a good one and I should have thought of it

However, whilst driving around today on quite a long journey, I was musing over it, (as one does ) and thinking "it doesn't need to be that accurate", (as suggested). If I mix some new at 50/50, put it in a glass jar, then pull a bit out of the van and put it in another glass jar, then compare the "pinkness". If mine is less pink, add some neat until it looks the same as the known 50/50 mix

[lodgey62]

Might have been a bit pinker to start with?

[ghost123uk]

Might have been a bit pinker to start with?

Eh, you’re going to have to explain that a bit

[Dazco]

Ghost , I just carry a couple of litres ready mixed 50/50 . I have a 5 litre water bottle full just in case.

E D I T .
Just read that a hydrometer reading can be very INACURATE. Best to use a refractometer . http://www.reichertai.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I use one at work for soluble oil coolant and accurate to a couple of % by volume

[ghost123uk]

Ghost, I just carry a couple of litres ready mixed 50/50

Aye, so do I, normally It's just that sometimes I forget to re-fill the bottle with 50/50 after I have used it, so water goes in

[Dazco]

Use a bigger bottle then it will take longer to run out

[ghost123uk]

Use a bigger bottle then it will take longer to run out

Totally brilliant

[itchyfeet]

Use a bigger bottle then it will take longer to run out

Totally brilliant

or use 60% with a smaller bottle so you are not too bothered if you have to use water once in a while.
where is it leaking John?