Antifreeze coolant Checking with a Multimeter (updated)

[jeanlouis114]

Nice! thanx man....

[aleon1018]

I had first tried this test with the leads opposite and the fluid passed at .05 When I watched again and tested according to the video instructions, it was over 7. I just had the upper & lower intake gaskets and upper manifold. The overflow tested at.002. Obviously, this isn't accurate for the entire system and the shop didn't flush and likely contaminated by mixing wrong coolants and charged me for 2.5 gal. It had dex cool and was red. Now it's orange in the radiator.

[aleon1018]

& broken map sensor and charged $62.00 I had the valve and oil pan gaskets replaced as well since they were leaking. They also broke my dip stick, likely by pulling the pan without taking it out or put a broken used one in. Not sure though. The dipstick plastic and O ring seal had separated and I super glued it together for now. Supposedly, they do break anyway.The total repair cost was $900.00 Which is still cheaper than other estimates I'll get coolant flushed/replaced at Sears

[happy543210]

I'm assuming this works because the coolant becomes acidic over time and conducts more voltage, but the problem is that the coolant is insulated from the car ground by the plastic tank. In essence, you're getting what's called a ghost reading--which means nothing. A better way is to put both probes in the coolant and measure resistance. Less resistance means more voltage conductance, hence more Hydronium ions (acid) in the coolant. Or better yet, just buy some pH strips.

[MrPeterBurban]

@happy543210 I’m not sure about this from an electrical potential basis. But the coolant does hit the engine block. So unless the block is made of some insulating material there will be an electrical connection to the coolant and ground. How much? That is open to discussion.

[hp11208]

hey rich i have a innova 3320 multimeter where it says DCV IN THAT SAME BOX SAYS 10 MEGOHM INPUT ALSO IS THAT THE RIGTH ONE

[richpin06a]

@hp11208 Yes that looks like the one

[Tobbytheking]

I get 0.01 using this metode.... 0.05 if i put both ends into the coolant. I am a bit concerned of the accuracy of this test, I beleve it might be bad even if the test doesn't say so.. but if you have over 0.07 something most likely is wrong with the coolant

[OpticNerve1948]

I am not a mechanic or a chemist. I have learned much from watching your videos. I do not know what exactly you are measuring, but I don't think it is pH. The pH scale is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 to 14. The p stands for potential and the H for Hydrogen. Pure water has a pH of 7. A pH less then seven is increasingly acidic, while 8 to 14 is increasingly basic. If you were measuring pH, a low number means more acidic and would seem to be more corrosive then a pH of 7 which is neut

[kitchwatembo]

@OpticNerve1948 differnt pH will allow different voltages through the coolant system

he is not measuring the actual pH, but it seems he's found the correct voltage scale for the right pH in engine coolant

[federalbecz]

really.

now thats cool.... 

[beaman220]

This guy is the man!

[HOYS]

Does this method work with all types of coolant? Dexcool...green stuff...etc etc...

[richpin06a]

@HOYS Yes it does

[steven4601]

Hello,

I have just tried your method of checking coolant status. It shows 91mV on a Volvo S60 T5. Coolant age is probably 1 1/5 year. Changed the thermostat prior to the winter, swapped about 2 liter fresh coolant. Im going to change the coolant soon, to see what the voltage is when freshly changed. and report back here.

Thanks for the intriguing trick!

[CARRICK6423]

Is pH related to freeze protection also? Thanks - very useful information.

[PCGAMER42]

can someone tell me why i get .27 on 20 scale and .05 on 200 scale

[Proverbs1x26refurbed]

@PCGAMER42 Because your multimeter is junk?

[TimODon87]

Thank you



[Rhin0Neil]

I have been working on cars for over 30 years and never new that one,, I will try my car tomorrow..

[stenikol]

Great video. Thank you.

[noxvet]

I've never heard of this. Thanks a lot Rich! If only I had a nice digital multimeter like that! I know they're fairly cheap...But the analog one I have is just so much neater.

[richpin06a]

@noxvet This procedure just might make you go out and get a digital multimeter.

[vio919]

what about 0.06?

[richpin06a]

@vio919 If it got that high i personally would change it but is not necessary.

[poching0521]

thanks for the tip. Do I need to turn the ignition on for the test?

[richpin06a]

@poching0521 Nope you don't have to turn anything on.

[cristoretornebiblia]

Good tip

buddy, thanks Im gonna try it on my pickup

[DALE97DSM]

Awesome, trick. I never knew that use a multimeter.

[EppingForest304]

very interesting, i'd never heard of checking the Ph level

[03grandgtramair]

awesome video i think i just learned a new trick!!!!!!thanks for the great videos!!!