Coolant testing

[MEBRAB]

I have been following this site for a while, lots of great info! Now for my first question. I have a 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with the ISC 330 engine. Where do I test the coolant from? I crawled under and don't even see the bottom of the radiator as there is a plate there. I have the test strips in hand but do not see a way to easily get to the coolant, knowing not to test from the overflow tank. Thanks for any assist/recommendations as I know this task has already been done by many of you.

Mike
2007 HR Ambassador PLQ

[Stillwater]

should be a petcock on the engine somewhere, it will be at a low point on the engine, about level where the pan bolts to the block. Mine is mid engine, drivers side. Take a good sample in a clean container, do the test and dump it back into the expansion tank. Even though I bought new strips I got strange readings. I took the sample to a cummins dealer, readings where good, turned out the strips where bad.

[roscoesdad]

I used the antifreeze tester I use on my automobile. It shows protection against freezing down to -20 deg. Is this accurrant? I know the strips show more than freezing but I need to know if I'm okay in cold temps.

[brotenc]

I have read where the testers with floating balls are not accurate. Maybe it is because of the additive in the antifreeze for some diesels, I don't know.

I bought test strips that are particular for SCA charges coolant from Amazon.

The reading color for fully formulated coolant was dead center. Couldn't really tell about the color indicating freeze point. Tried two strips with the same result.

The recommeded method is to use an optical device but they are pretty expensive.

In my case, I had just drained, flushed, and refilled the cooling system so I knew exactly that I had a 50/50 mix. I used the strips so that I could see what the results would be. It may be that the strips were bad even though they have an expiration date sometime next year. I guess that is why the optical reader is recommended....

Chuck

[Diplomat Don]

MEBRAB.....You need to find out what coolant you have. An 07 may have OAT anti freeze and doesn't need to be tested.

Before I changed the coolant in my coach to OAT, I tested from the coolant tank. If you look at the return lines to the coolant tank, it's constantly circulating coolant. There is no reason not to test from there.

[H. Miller]

If the coolant has not been changed, it is 1-2 years past due (every 2 years).
Why not change to OAT coolant and be rid of the strip test?

[royce999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEBRAB I have been following this site for a while, lots of great info! Now for my first question. I have a 2007 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with the ISC 330 engine. Where do I test the coolant from? I crawled under and don't even see the bottom of the radiator as there is a plate there. I have the test strips in hand but do not see a way to easily get to the coolant, knowing not to test from the overflow tank. Thanks for any assist/recommendations as I know this task has already been done by many of you. Mike 2007 HR Ambassador PLQ

Mike,

I have an 02 Endeavor with the ISC 330. My rig has one of those type fittings where you just loosen the petcock (or whatever its called), and the fluid starts running out. Just use a cup or jar or whatever, and dip your test strip in that. The fitting is on the driver side of the radiator.

Royce
2002 HR Endeavor