ASTM D 3306 : 2011

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for ethylene glycol or propylene glycol base engine coolants used in automobiles or other light duty service cooling systems. When concentrates are used at 40 to 70 % concentration by volume in water, or when prediluted glycol base engine coolants (50 volume % minimum) are used without further dilution, they will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion.

1.2 The coolants governed by this specification are categorized as follows:

Note 1—This specification is based on the knowledge of the performance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients. This specification shall also apply to engine coolants prepared using glycol generated from recycled or reprocessed used coolant or reprocessed industrial-source glycol, provided that said glycol meets the requirements of Specification E1177. Separate specifications (D6471 and D6472) exist for engine coolants prepared from recycled or reprocessed used coolant or reprocessed industrial-source glycol that does not meet the requirements established in Specification E1177. This specification shall also apply to glycol based engine coolants prepared using fully refined glycerin provided that said glycerin meets the requirements for Specification D7640.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 2—This specification applies to glycol base engine coolant for automobiles and light duty service. Specifications D4985 and D6210 exist for heavy duty engine service.

TABLE 1 General Requirements

TABLE 2 Physical and Chemical Requirements for Concentrates

^A Type V engine coolant is ethylene glycol base containing glycerin. Other ingredients that do not meet Specifications E1177 and D7640 shall not be substituted in this blend.

^B For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

^C Test Methods D1177 and D6660 work with glycol/glycerin mixtures. Field test devices based on refractive index and density are under development.

^D Some precipitate may be observed at the end of the test. This should not be cause for rejection.

^E In case of dispute, D3634 shall be the preferred test method.

^F Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.

^G Currently, many vehicle manufacturers prepare test panels using the specific paint finishes employed on their actual products. Coolant suppliers and vehicle manufacturers should agree on the exact test procedures and acceptance criteria on an individual basis.

TABLE 3 Physical and Chemical Requirements for Predilute

^A Type VI engine coolant is ethylene glycol base containing glycerin. Other ingredients that do not meet Specifications E1177 and D7640 shall not be substituted in this blend.

^B For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.

^C Test Methods D1177 and D6660 work with glycol/glycerin mixtures. Field test devices based on refractive index and density are under development.

^D Some precipitate may be observed at the end of the test. This should not be cause for rejection.

^E In case of dispute, D3634 shall be the preferred test method.

^F Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.

^G Currently, many vehicle manufacturers prepare test panels using the specific paint finishes employed on their actual products. Coolant suppliers and vehicle manufacturers should agree on the exact test procedures and acceptance criteria on an individual basis.

TABLE 4 Performance Requirements^A

^A For engine coolant concentrates, test solutions shall be prepared in accordance with the directions provided in the individual ASTM test methods noted. For prediluted engine coolants, prepare test solutions using the directions provided in Footnotes B through F.

^B For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 67 volume % of the adjusted (see 5.6) prediluted product with 33 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water. Add 99 mg of sodium sulfate, 110 mg of sodium chloride, and 92 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.

^C For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 88 volume % of the adjusted (see 5.6) prediluted product with 12 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water. Add 83 mg of sodium sulfate, 92 mg of sodium chloride, and 77 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.

^D For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 50 volume % of the adjusted (see 5.6) prediluted product with 50 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water. Add 165 mg of sodium chloride per litre of test solution.

^E For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 67 volume % of the adjusted (see 5.6) prediluted product with 33 volume % ASTM Type II reagent water.

^F For prediluted coolants, prepare the test solution by mixing 33 volume % of the adjusted (see 5.6) prediluted product with 67 volume % ASTM Type IV reagent water. Add 123 mg of sodium sulfate, 137 mg of sodium chloride, and 115 mg of sodium bicarbonate per litre of test solution.