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Coolant containing the proper amount of glycol and additives is critical to the reliability and durability of heavy duty diesel engines. Occasional coolant analysis is required in the field to insure that the proper coolant composition is maintained, otherwise severe engine damage can occur. There are several types of coolant test kits currently available in the field as well as commercial coolant analysis services. Some of the test methods used provide information that does not predict or correlate with a coolant's capability to prevent system corrosion and deposit formation. This paper examines the more widely available field coolant analysis methods and documents their strengths and weaknesses. Further, recommendations are made as to acceptable laboratory methods for the analysis of engine coolants.

The contents of this publication is the summary of many papers and varying subjects pertaining to cold weather preparation of diesel engines for operation in cold weather and arctic climates. The approval by the U.S. Government on the construction of the Alaska Pipe Line and opening of the North Slope oil fields was instrumental in furnishing the initiative to publish existing documentation in one paper. It has been difficult to avoid controversial areas and still present what we hope represents the areas which require attention when operating a diesel engine in cold and/or arctic climates and some of the varying specialized equipment our experience indicates can be helpful.