Pic. 6.5. Measuring the density of the coolant with a hydrometer with a float
In mid-latitudes, the coolant protects the car engine from frost down to -30°C based on Ford antifreeze, which corresponds to a 50% mixture. If water was added to the expansion tank, this means that the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant has decreased. To determine the frost resistance of the coolant, a hydrometer is used to measure the density of the coolant (pic. 6.5). You can use the following rule: adding 3/4 liters of antifreeze to the cooling system increases the frost resistance of the coolant by 10°C.
The total volume of the coolant to be filled in and the proportions to ensure frost resistance to -30°C are given in Table 6.1.
WARNING
Different antifreezes provide corrosion protection and light metal compatibility in different ways. With the wrong choice of antifreeze, this will lead to subsequent significant repair costs. If you cannot completely replace the old antifreeze, it is better to completely replace the coolant.
30,000 km 2 years
SEQUENCE OF WORK
1. To relieve pressure in the cooling system, open the cap of the expansion tank. Be careful when working on a hot engine - there is a risk of burns!
2. Place a clean container under the radiator and loosen the lower radiator hose clamp or unscrew the cap on the lower radiator tank. Remove the coolant hose from the fitting.
3. To make the coolant drain better, remove the plug from the expansion tank. Drain approximately 1-2 liters of coolant and cover the container with the drained liquid.
4. Install lower radiator hose (if necessary, use a new mounting clamp). Screw in the drain plug securely.
5. Add the required amount of antifreeze to the expansion tank. Replenish the rest with drained coolant. Install the expansion tank cap.
PRACTICAL ADVICE
Do not add cold water to the cooling system of a hot engine
If your engine's cooling system has lost too much coolant while driving, never add cold water to the expansion tank. A hot engine can suffer thermal shock from cold water being added, and in extreme cases, the cylinder block or cylinder head may be deformed. In this case, your engine is not serviceable, because the cylinder head gasket will not be able to fit snugly on the cylinder block, and the coolant will leak out of the block or mix with the engine oil, resulting in an emulsion resulting in engine damage. Therefore, wait for some time required for the engine to cool down, and only then add water. In any case, it is necessary to contact a specialist to determine the cause of the loss of coolant.
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