Page 125 - ingenioren

Technical Reference
FAQs - Coolant Filtration

Q: What is the correct water and antifreeze Q: What is the best way to determine the
mixture to be used in coolant systems? freeze point of the coolant?
The ideal mixture is 50% water and 50% antifreeze. The The most consistently accurate method to determine the
coolant mixture should never contain less than 40% freeze point of the coolant is the use of a refractometer.
antifreeze or more than 60% antifreeze. The water used Alternative test methods can also provide an estimate of
must meet engine manufacturer’s guidelines for use in their freeze point.
coolant systems.
Q: How often should I change my antifreeze?
Q: Coolant seems to disappear from my Antifreeze should be changed based on original equipment
system. Where does it go? engine manufacturer’s recommendations or with the use of

Coolant can seem to “disappear” from the system due full laboratory coolant analysis.
to the lack of a coolant recovery system, evaporation,
hose and clamp leakage or seepage, water pumps and/or
thermostats not functioning properly, improperly sealed, Q: Can I use a liquid SCA in either a gasoline
cracked or broken head gaskets, cracked cylinder heads or diesel engine with no coolant filter?
or engine blocks, and leaking or seeping radiators, heater Yes. However we do recommend the use of an additive free
cores or oil coolers. The consistent use of oil analysis can filter on all coolant systems to remove all solid and liquid
help pinpoint some of these problems and help avoid contamination. Coolant system maintenance should always
catastrophic failures.
be done as a complete package to be most effective.
Q: Why does my coolant foam? Q: Is it better to use a filter with coolant

Foam in coolant is usually the sign of trapped air in the additive or a liquid SCA with an additive free
system, a leak on the suction side of the water pump, an
improperly functioning water pump, low or no coolant in filter?
the coolant recovery tank, the lack of a coolant recovery Which coolant maintenance set-up to use is entirely
system, the coolant system lack of appropriate SCA’s or the determined by user preference. When properly installed,
combining of incompatible chemicals in the coolant system. pre-charged and maintained, both filters with SCA’s and
liquid SCA’s used with additive free filters will offer the
coolant system identical levels of protection.
Q: What happens if the coolant system is
overcharged with additives?
Q: Why can’t I use a bigger filter with SCA’s?
Over charging or over concentrating a coolant system with ENGINE LIQUID FILTRATION - TECHNICAL REFERENCE
additives will result in the formation of solids. These solids Coolant filters with SCA’s are different physical sizes
will form deposits that drop out and clog passage ways in because they may contain different amounts of additives.
the system preventing proper heat transfer. These solids are The proper amount of SCA to be used to either pre-charge
also very abrasive and will permanently damage surfaces or maintain the additive level in the coolant is determined
they come in contact with. If a coolant filter is in use, it will by the total capacity of the coolant system. Using the
be quickly plugged up. incorrect filter can result in an under-charged or an over-
charged system. Both of these situations result in improper
coolant system performance and could lead to pre-mature
Q: Should I consider using coolant filters on failures.
gasoline engines?
Yes. The overall up time and usability of gasoline engines Q: Will adding SCA’s to a coolant system
can be greatly increased by treating the coolant systems postpone or cure existing corrosion
used with gasoline engines the same way diesel systems
are. Due to the total capacity of most gasoline engine problems?
coolant systems, the use of a liquid SCA and an additive No. If the system is already in poor physical condition,
free filter is recommended. it should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed before the
introduction of SCA’s. Once it is clean, the SCA’s will keep
it that way provided proper maintenance intervals are
Q: Are additives and filters with additives followed.
compatible with long life / extended life
coolant?
Check with additive and coolant manufacturer for
recommendations.

www.donaldson.com Engine Liquid Filtration • 123