COOLANT INFORMATION / POWER STEERING ISSUE

[drthrift035]

FORD E-250 GASOLINE ENGINE 5.2 L

99,970 KM

1) ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS IN THE NORMAL OPERATING RANGE.

2) COOLANT TESTING READING 45 F/ 43 C FOR FREEZING POINT

3) BOILING POINT 265 – 269 F

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TEST ENGINE COOLANT STRENGTH AND WHAT IT IT’S ACCEPTABLE RANGE FOR FREEZING CAPACITY AND HEATING CAPACITY.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM

NOISE FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM

CHECKED POWER STEERING RESERVOIR – LOW FLUID LEVEL

SEARCHED FOR LEAKS. NO LEAKS FOUND IN C0NTAINER OR HOSE

ADDED MORE POWER STEERING FLUID AND CIRCULATED IT IN THE SYSTEM BY TURNING THE WHEELS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.

[b]NOISE WENT AWAY. WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DIAGNOSE THE POWER STEERING

SYSTEM [/b] THANKS IN ADVANCE.

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

A hydrometer is often used to check coolant but it sounds like you already have one of those unless I’m mistaken as to how you got your numbers. If you’re concerned you can always do a drain and refill with fresh coolant to ensure the best protection. Most times a 50/50 mix is recommended but if you’re in a colder climate you may need more antifreeze for better protection in colder temps.

If you don’t see a power steering leak then perhaps the rack is leaking behind the rack boots. Pull the boots back or poke a small hole in them to see if fluid comes out, if it does the rack is leaking internally. I’d recommend replacement rather than trying to repair the seals.

[college man]

A+ on Erics post.

[dreamer2355]

I agree with Eric also.

We use test strips at work for testing a coolants protection level, reserve alkalinity and pH level.

[Charles]

One word of caution. I lived in Alaska for a couple of years. Pure antifreeze will freeze (makes slush that will not circulate). So some minimum amount of water is required. Best to go by the instructions on the container.

[drthrift035]

Thanks for the advice. I did the coolant flush and it was no problem. I made sure that I followed the bleeding process.

I am going to check into the rack to see if there is any internal leakage. Thanks again.

[EricTheCarGuy]

If you’re in a climate similar to Alaska then I would suggest you consider a block heater as the poster is correct antifreeze will only protect so much to a given temperature.

[Author]

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