Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/859318
Coolants Background & Properties castrol.com/GPS 800 255 4417 May 2025 GPS Important Properties: Coolants Many engine failures are the result of improper antifreeze usage. To protect equipment from coolant-related damage, it is critical to know the different antifreeze types, required mix ratios and problems that could result from improper use. Coolant Basics e glycol in coolant helps it fulfill its most basic function—freeze protection for an engine. Coolant is also expected to provide a stable, cool environment for seals and gaskets. Using antifreeze in its concentrated form can result in silicate or gel dropout, commonly known as "green goo," leaving critical engine parts unprotected. Water pump leaks are also commonly attributed to an over concentration of antifreeze. A 100 percent antifreeze solution will turn to a solid gel at 9°F (-13°C). For best all-around protection, use a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Concentrated antifreeze needs water for a balanced chemical package and outstanding performance. Antifreeze to Water Mix Coolant should not be mixed with hard tap water. Hard tap water has excessive calcium and magnesium deposits that can cause scaling, which will result in inadequate heat transfer. To avoid scaling, use only so or de-ionized water that is not treated with salts or chlorides when mixing water and antifreeze. (OEMs publish limits in parts per million [ppm] for hardness, chlorides, sulfates and total dissolved solids for the water used to dilute antifreeze.) Antifreeze Protection Chart Freeze/Boil Protection 40 50 60 -12˚F -34˚F -62˚F 222˚F 226˚F 231˚F Freezing Down to Boiling* Up to Percent Concentration *At sea level. Boil point increase 3˚F for each pound of pressure exerted by cap. Supplement Coolant Additives (SCAs) Fresh antifreeze also requires a supplemental coolant additive (SCA) when used in heavy-duty engines. (Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix Coolant does not require SCAs.) SCAs come in liquid concentrate or through a pre-charged filter, and some antifreeze is already pre-charged with SCAs. e supplemental coolant additive is depleted during use and needs to be added periodically to the coolant system. However, there is antifreeze G3 ecastrof