Cooling System, Checking Freeze Protection And Coolant Level: Notes
The water used for mixing greatly influences the effectiveness of the coolant. Do to the different water contents which can vary due to country or region, the water quality used is defined. Distilled water fulfills all the requirements. For this reason, the coolant must be mixed with distilled water when supplementing and refilling the cooling system.
Use only coolant additives according to the Parts Information. Using other coolant additives can impair the corrosion protection. Loss of coolant can cause considerable damage to the engine.
Coolant in the correct mixing ratio prevents freezing and corrosion damage as well as calcification. The boiling temperature is also increased. For these reasons the cooling system must have coolant additive the whole year.
Especially in countries with tropical climates or when vehicle is driven under heavy engine load, the coolant improves the engine reliability by its increased boiling point.
To determine the current freeze protection value, use the Refractometer: T10007A or Analog Refractometer: T10007B .
The scale -1- on the refractometer refers to the G12++ and G12evo coolant additives.
The scale -2- on the refractometer refers to the G13 coolant additive.
If more than one type of coolant additive has been used, use the scale for G13 to determine the frost protection.
The freeze protection must be set to minimum -25 °C (-13 °F), for countries with an arctic climate, it must be set to approximately -36 °C (-32.8 °F). The freeze protection can be increased only when a stronger freeze protection is required due to climatic conditions. But only down to -48 °C (-54.4 °F), otherwise the cooling effect of the coolant will be impaired.
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water, even during the warmer season or in warm countries. The freeze protection must be a minimum of -25 °C (-13 °F).
The temperature on the Refractometer corresponds to the >>crystallization point<<. At this temperature, the first flakes of ice begin to form in the coolant.
Coolant cannot be reused.
Only use water/coolant additive as lubricant for the coolant hoses.
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Refractometer: T10007A
- Refractometer: T10007B
The cut-off line can be read to obtain an accurate reading for the following tests. Place a drop of water on the glass using a pipette to improve the readability of the cut-off line. The cut-off line is now clearly recognizable on the "WATERLINE".
-- Check the coolant additive concentration using the Refractometer (observe the operating instructions).
The scale -1- on the refractometer refers to the G12++ and G12evo coolant additives.
The scale -2- on the refractometer refers to the G13 coolant additive.
-- Drain some of the coolant and add coolant additive if the freeze protection is inadequate. Refer to COOLANT LEVEL, CHECKING AND FILLING IF NECESSARY .
If it cannot clearly determined which coolant additive is in the coolant system, use the scale -2- for coolant additive G13.
Please follow all waste disposal regulations!
-- Check the concentration of the coolant additive again after the road test.