Is your antifreeze testor ok?

[cudadriver]

I changed my antifreeze in two cars a few days ago. I mixed the antifreeze 50/50 which should have made the mix good to -37C or -34F. My old tester would not go beyond -29C or -20F.
This tester is dead simple, Just a pointer/float. It will move through the whole range when tilted but won't go beyond the -29C/-20F point with antifreeze water mix in it.
Went and got a new one and it reads the -37C/-34F as it should. Go figure. How can such a simple tester go bad? Any ideas?

 

[LXguy]

No idea, but I did a bunch of crappy work in the freezing cold last year because my tester was only showing -7. New tester showed 30 below.

I guess the balls don't float so well after they get old.

If -29C won't get it done, I'm moving anyway. LOL!

 

[cudadriver]

No idea, but I did a bunch of crappy work in the freezing cold last year because my tester was only showing -7. New tester showed 30 below.

I guess the balls don't float so well after they get old.

If -29C won't get it done, I'm moving anyway. LOL!

Yeah mine tend to do that too. Oh! You mean the tester. LOL

 

[cudadriver]

Just wanted you guys, and gals, to know that these testers do go bad. Especially if they are old.

 

[MoparLvr]

Seems to me I remember reading somewhere that the temperature of the antifreeze being tested has a lot to do with it. ie different temps will give somewhat different results. I usually make sure to test with engine cold.

 

[cudadriver]

I tested both cars cold and got different readings between the old and new testers.

 

['64 Cuda]

I thought I heard somewhere that the older testers aren't accurate with the newer antifreezes. Seems I heard this right after I received a fancy new tester as a Father's day gift. Don't know if mine is for the old stuff or the new stuff or if it matters.

 

[cudadriver]

Both testers are the same but with a different label.

 

[toolmanmike]

Testers will become inaccurate with age. Rinse them out with water after you use them may help them last longer. Most techs replace theirs every few years. The best kind that don't wear out are the refractometer's although they are pricey. Toolmanmike http://www.mactools.com/SearchResults/tabid/79/Default.aspx?Search=refractometer

 

[cudadriver]

Thanks for the tip toolmanmike. I think I will replace my $5.99 tester every couple of years rather than spend $96.00. If I were a lot younger I would probably go for that one even at that price.