Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Checked the anti freeze at the top of the radiator and to my surprize it was only holding down to +5 deg F. So I decided to drain off some coolant from the drain cock at the bottom in order to make room for filling more anti freeze, but to my surprise I saw that the half gallon that I drained off was deep blue in color. When I measured the freezing point of what I drained off at the bottom, I discovered it was good for -58 deg F.

I then poured what I drained off at the bottom back at the top of the radiator.

The car then sat for two weeks, and now its the same story again. -4 deg F freezing point at the top of the radiator and -58 deg F at the bottom.

How can this be? Does the anti-freeze separate from the water over time and can the engine freeze up at the top while it is protected at the bottom.

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

I've never heard of this happening before.
What brand or type of antifreeze are you using?

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Antifreeze is completely hygroscopic. The two substances combine into one.

The only way this can happen is that they were added separately and then left uncirculated.

You didn't say if the car has been run for any length of time in the meanwhile. If it hasn't, therein lies your problem. If it HAS, look to the T-Stat and then the Water Pump.

A 'backyard' test is to take the T-Stat out of the car, run it up to Temp, then shut it off with an electric fan in front of the Radiator, thereby causing a thermosiphon which will force the fluids to circulate. Then re-test.

While you're waiting, toss the T-Stat in a small pan on the stove along with your spousal-unit's kitchen thermometer to see if it starts to open at the specified temperature.

If the T-Stat works and it's not circulating, you need a Water Pump or you have MAJOR blockage.

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

It should never seperate, no matter how old or what ratio of water/antifreeze mix. Drain it immediateley!!! I don't know if your car sits outside or whatever, but in Norway you can pretty much have the same weather as Canada from what I've heard, and I wouldn't want to risk cracking the block if the power goes out for a day and in the rush the car gets missed. You can watch it for seperation in the pails too once you've drained it.

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

I'm wondering what your using that's a deep blue? Also is it full strength or 50/50

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Four years ago I bought 2 fifty-five gallon barrels of anti-freeze from a distributor to put in all my dozers and equipment. The next year I checked the freezing point and was surprised to find out it was only good for 10* above. I first thought someone had stolen my antifreeze and filled up the radiators with water. I went back to the distributor and told him about it and he informed me that it was only good for one year. He called it seasonal antifreeze I had bought. He said I needed permanent antifreeze. Now days I only buy Preston brand full strength.

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Well, neither have I seen this before either. So I was really surprised. I think that even if the solution had not been agitated by running the engine after the last time I filled the system, the mixture should still have evened itself out given several weeks time.

Anyway, here is the link to the antifreeze data sheet. I cant see anything peculiar from that.

http://www.biltema.no/BiltemaDocumen...361784_TDS.pdf

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

The link won't open for me.

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?
 

Try this link

Re: Anti-freeze Separation ?