Setright Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 Hi everyone! During a rountine fluid check I discovered that the coolant in my overflow tank is almost completey clear. It's 50% Castrol antifreeze and 50% pure water. It was very blue when I poured it all in about 3000 miles ago. I haven't opened the rad to check the colour in there, it's too dark outside right now. The coolant level is perfect, it's the colour that has faded. Shell's 50/50 mix which I used to use never did this. What's up with that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 I don't know for certain, but perhaps the dye used is sensitive to heat. I know, sounds rediculous for a dye used in antifreeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted December 18, 2004 Share Posted December 18, 2004 Ethelyne glycol is clear, so I guess the dye is on its way out. Other coolant additives too, perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted December 18, 2004 Author Share Posted December 18, 2004 Yeah, I just checked inside the rad, and that is losing color too. Wierd. You would think Castrol could do better. No additives. I am not an additive kinda guy, I trust the chemists to make a good product from the outset. The only thing I ever add to anything is RedeX injector cleaner to my gasoline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted December 22, 2004 Author Share Posted December 22, 2004 Spoke to a chemist friend of mine and he immediately suggested that the coolant must have changed PH value, and therefore changed color. PANIC!!! Is my cooling system full of acid? I gave him samples of unused mix and some of the mix from my engine. New PH 8.3 Used PH 7.7 So, it's a sure sign that the coolant is "wearing out". By the way, checking the mileage in my logbook, it's actually 6500 miles since I replace the coolant, or 3½ months. Panic is over, but I am gonna change the coolant soon, it makes me worry that the color is fading. By the way, adjusting the PH back up on the used coolant did NOT bring back the color, so the dye is gone forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 No additives. I am not an additive kinda guy, I trust the chemists to make a good product from the outset. I meant the additives already in the coolant. If you ph is way off, then I guess it needs to be changed regardless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted December 27, 2004 Author Share Posted December 27, 2004 Oh, sorry! I get it :-) I am glad it's still above 7 on the Ph scale, but I am plannin to replace it soon. I am not impressed that it has only lasted such a short distance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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