Oh, I can tell you ....to move your coolant pH a little, just put a very small pinch of Sodium Hydrohide (drain cleaner), in it. Run it and re-test. I mean, really, it doesn't take much. Try not to overshoot. To move back down I put just a small squirt of lemon juice. I didn't add mine to the overflow, I removed a heater hose and put it in there. The fluid needs to circulate.

 

For guys who want to test pH more, I'd suggest just getting a tester. The strips are hard to read and cumbersome. Testers are pretty cheap these days -- about the cost of a couple test strip kits. Lot more accurate too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Digital-...wAAOSwexddVG~b

 

That one is cheaper than the 50 test strips I just ordered. Cheaper than the 5 Fleetguard strips I bought the other day, LOL!

 

This is the one I have. It works great. I think it's .01 accuracy. I use it also for checking boiler system water (for heating). It comes with pH solutions for calibrating and testing. I keep the solution in airtight containers for double-checking accuracy. I haven't noticed much drifting of accuracy. Pretty good tool for $10.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Ele...MAAOSwYP9c1OUR

 

Fancy pants tester is still cheaper than what I just bought today! LOL

 

We are just adjusting ph, not antifreeze protection. A standard hygrometer will tell you your freeze protection, but you need ph testing to tell if the coolant is detrimental to the materials in your cooling system. It's like apples and oranges, two different things entirely.

 

Yes, and both my strip and el cheapo hygrometer said I am good on glycol. The strips I just ordered test both glycol and ph, the Fleetguard test glycol and some stuff that might not even be in gas engine antifreeze anyway, but not ph.

 

OK, got the new test strips and came out between 7.5 and 8, with 50% glycol.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/AquaChek-...11519/20648096

 

Is yours still working? Have been browsing Amazon and in that price range, it seems like a lot of complaints that they just stopped working after 30-90 days. First guess is they did not remove the batteries befor storing. But also complaints about wild readings and being difficult to calibrate after a while.

 

Too bad you can't use pool water testers because they rely on clear liquid for color change. I have several and have used them for about 40 years. And you are right about the electronic ones. They suck!

 

I use this.

KETOTEK Digital PH Meter, PH Meter with ATC, Water PH Test Meter with 0.00-16.00ph Measure Range for Drinking Water, Hydroponics, Aquariums, Swimming

 

How long have you been using it?

 

Amazon says i bought it in August. Ive used it about once a month since then. Still works. I havent calinrated it since i got it. Havent seen any wild swings in ph readings either.

 

Have it in my shopping cart now. Will order sometime soon I suppose.

 

I sprung for a $35 model that came with powders for test solutions (250ml/packet) , and picked up some glass pint jars at the dollar store.

Is distilled water fine for making the solution, or do I have to track down deionized water?