Century V6-3100 3.1L VIN M SFI (1998)
Coolant: Testing and Inspection
Coolant Concentration Testing
COOLANT CONCENTRATION TESTERS
Due to a worldwide shortage of Ethylene Glycol, some coolant manufacturers have started to mix other types of glycol into their coolant formulations.
Propylene glycol is the most common new ingredient. A hydrometer will not always provide a correct measurement of freeze protection when
anything other than ethylene glycol and water is being tested. The degree of inaccuracy will vary depending on the proportion other glycols present in
the coolant.
All GM vehicles are produced with coolant you can accurately measure with a hydrometer. However, where the type and quality of the coolant being
measured is unknown, such as a vehicle that has accumulated mileage, use a refractometer.
Use coolant testers J 26568 or J 23688 to check the antifreeze protection of the coolant. The markings of the refractometer must be correct. Unless J
23688 or J 26568 has a provision for temperature correction, test the temperature at which J 26568 or J 23688 is calibrated. If the coolant is warmer or
cooler, the reading may be incorrect. Follow the manufacturer's directions on using J 26568 or J 236
88.
TESTING PROCEDURE
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Tools Required
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123688 Coolant Tester (Fahrenheit Scale)
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J 26568 Coolant Tester (Centigrade Scale)
Release the tip of the pump from the housing of the J 23688 or the J 26568.
Important:
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Both J 23688 and J 26568 automatically compensate for temperature.
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Before each use, swing back the plastic cover at the slanted end of the coolant tester, exposing the measuring window and the bottom of the
plastic cover.
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Wipe the measuring window dry with a tissue or a clean, soft cloth.
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Close the plastic cover.
1. Do not remove the clear plastic pump from the J 23688 or the J 26568.
2. Remove the surge tank/radiator cap.
CAUTION: As long as there is pressure in the cooling system, the temperature can be considerably higher than the boiling temperature of the
solution in the radiator without causing the solution to boil. Removal of the pressure cap while the engine is hot and pressure is high will cause the
solution to boil instantaneously -possibly with explosive force - spewing the solution over the engine, fenders and the person removing the cap.
3. Insert the tip of the pump into the surge tank/radiator. The tip of the pump must be below the level of the coolant.
4. Press the bulb. Release the pump bulb in order to obtain a sample of the coolant.
5. Bend the tube around the J 23688 or the J 26568.Insert the tip of the pump into the cover plate opening.
