How-To Tuesday: Checking Your Coolant for Electrolysis
Engines of yesterday required much more regular maintenance than those of today. This is a fact that some people overlook as they hop into their modern machine and drive for well over 100,000 miles without so much as an occasional oil change and part replacement.
However, the downside of this negligence is that new problems may easily arise as a consequence. For example, the life of engine coolant is now significantly longer than it used to be; as a result, the process of electrolysis can now occur.
Fancy science aside, electrolysis is the process of engine coolant becoming acidic, and therefore maintaining an actual electric charge — which can be detrimental to various aluminum engine pieces, including the radiator.
The process of checking for electrolysis is actually quite simple, as explained in the video below. Using a multimeter, set the voltage to D/C, touch the negative lead to the chassis, and dip the positive lead inside the coolant. A reading of over 0.3 volts means trouble: the coolant has reached the point of electrolysis and can be damaging to the engine.
The recommended fix for electrolysis-ridden coolant? A radiator flush will do the trick, which should keep your engine in good shape and your car running well.
You must be logged in to post a comment.