Questions and Answers

Dexcool® Coolant PH Levels Q. I recently read the Antifreeze: Red or Green article, I'm sure freshly released, but was left with a question regarding Dexcool®. In response to this article, John Conville, I believe stated that the ph can rise in phosphate laden coolants when it combines with aluminum as a direct result of aluminum transport deposition.

I was wondering what chemical reactions can and do take place in cooling systems using Dexcool® that would cause the ph to rise. I recently worked on a 1998 Chevy Suburban with a very high concentration of water. In the past when testing a system that was composed primarily of water, it seemed the ph would always register low on the scale, yet this suburban went off the chart in terms of alkalinity.

Sorry to be so long winded or if this is a stupid question, but I can't seem to find in all my researching a reason why the ph would rise in a Dexcool® system with so much water. I understand that dex has a higher ph than conventional green, but not this high. Any insight would be greatly appreciated or if you could point me in a direction to continue my research.

Nick

A. Nick, I believe the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. I wish I could answer your question with some degree of expertise, but I am not a chemical engineer, just a dumb mechainic from New Jersey.

What I did do is forward your question to John and hopefully he can answer your question for you.