Pretty sure ford orange is an oat coolant. Those strips may not work for freeze protection testing since they're for pg and eg coolants

 

this is the test you actually need. https://rotunda.service-solutions.com/en-US/Pages/ItemDetail.aspx?itemVID=108369

EDIT: i re read your statement. yes those strips came in mine too. they are the wrong test strip.

 

this is the test you actually need.
EDIT: i re read your statement. yes those strips came in mine too. they are the wrong test strip.

That is the exact kit I picked up, I've read from others that is the correct kit. If those strips are not the right ones, which ones are? Thanks!

The testing of the Ford OAT coolant is a two part operation.

You do a 3 way test first and then you do the ELC contamination test.

3 Way test (which appears you used)



ELC Contamination test kit



You first check for Nitrites. There should be NO nitrites. If there are you, are suppose to flush the system.

Then you check the coolant concentration level with coolant refractometer.

Then you test for alkalinity and then corrosion with the 328-071ELC.

Larry,

I used the 3 way test, "which is giving me false readings I believe." See the pic I attached.

I also completed the contamination test and that passed.

I understand how to do the test my question was more directed towards why my results on the nitrates and freeze points are way off? Its almost like the strip are the wrong ones like mentioned above? But if you read the description from the strip I bought below its specifies they are for OAT coolant systems.

Plus the truck has 13k on it but it is a 2012 bought new in 2013 not sure if that matters. Either way I've read the coolant should be good for 100k

Here is the description from the kit I purchased since I can't post the link,

DESCRIPTION


Rotunda Kit contains 2 each of 328-2050 and 328-R071-ELC for individual testing of a vehicle's antifreeze coolant.

Individual Kit for OAT and NOAT ELC systems. Evaluates the condition of the Extended Life Coolant.

Kit Includes:

2 tests of the Rotunda 328-2050 and 328-R071-ELC kit
Pipette and Vial
Test Key and Instructions
This is enough for testing 1 vehicle. Available as individual kits or in master cases of 24.

 

The testing of the Ford OAT coolant is a two part operation.

You do a 3 way test first and then you do the ELC contamination test.

3 Way test (which appears you used)

Ford Rotunda 328-2050

ELC Contamination test kit

Ford Rotunda 328-071ELC

You first check for Nitrites. There should be NO nitrites. If there are you, are suppose to flush the system.

Then you check the coolant concentration level with coolant refractometer.

Then you test for alkalinity and then corrosion with the 328-071ELC.

 

If you have a jug of fresh orange, try running the test on a small sample.
Dilute if needed first of course. That should tell you if it's the strips or your coolant.
You never know. Someone may have topped it up at some point with the wrong stuff

 

Thanks kaya, thats a great idea and that is exactly what I'm worried about!

I dont have a jug but I guess it wouldn't hurt to order one, problem is I have to order another test strip kit too but I guess thats the price you pay for making sure it checks out...

You would think with 13k no one has added anything but who knows. If I was the original owner I would be a little less concerned.

 

No one else has had this problem, with this test kit? I'm going to assume this was the right test kit according to what links where posted above and what I've read on the forums..

So,

1.) My coolant needs to be flushed at 13k or,

2.) The test strips where not accurate for the Nitrates and Freeze points.

 

The test strips are not used for freeze points. You use a refractor to check the freeze point.

 

I didn't realize that, thanks Larry. However I'm much more concerned about the nitrate reading, just trying to find out if anyone has had a similar issue with these test strips like MWE said up above. It looks like I may have no choice but to order a bottle of coolant and another set of test strips and see what I can come up with...

 

I can find out Monday which strips I use for testing on these. I don't recall if they were the rotunda ones. Never had any issues with them tho. If you wanna hang tight

 

That would be great, thanks kaya!:grin:

 

the ones we have here are by radchek. stock #1570
tests freeze/boiling point, alkalinity, and ph

 

Thanks kaya, I just ordered a bottle of Ford's orange coolant and another pack of strips. I will update this thread with my findings incase anyone runs into a similar problem in the future.

 

Ok so I just did the test again with 100% orange coolant. Results where not much different other than the freeze point test, "which makes sense because its 100% coolant." Here are the pictures, I really think the nitrate patch and freeze point patch are mix matched. As well as the instructions...

Edit: First picture is before dipping it into the coolant, it says if the nitrate patch is brown to discard.

So for anyone having issues with this in the future, know that its a possibility that these patches are in the opposite locations as the directions state.

 

Sorry guys for digging up such an old thread, but I've had the "Check Coolant Additive" message come on twice since I've owned the truck and each time the dealer said there's nothing to worry about and just reset the warning for me. I plan to keep the truck for the long haul and want to actually perform the test and add the VC-12 revitalizer if necessary. Currently the truck has about 27K miles on it.

I believe the link below is to the test kit I will actually need. I'm only going to buy the kit for one test since it sounds like the test strips have a relatively short shelf life.

ACU-4048 Series​

Also, any recommendations on where to buy the orange coolant and VC-12 revitalizer? Amazon's prices seem outrageous, but I'm sure the Ford dealer isn't any cheaper.

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes you need:
Antifreeze Test - Strength Acustrip/ Ford Rotunda 328-2050 (replaces 328-00001)
Antifreeze Test - Contamination Acustrip/ Ford Rotunda 328-071ELC (replaces 328-00008)

Your link 4048 contains two set of each for one full test of primary & secondary.

That's my experience on buying: Amazon delivered = dealer retail over the counter prices.

 

Josh,

The best prices I could find for VC-12 and the test strips was dieselfiltersonline.