ASTM D4340-96(2001)

Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory screening procedure for evaluating the effectiveness of engine coolants in combating corrosion of aluminum casting alloys under heat-transfer conditions that may be present in aluminum cylinder head engines.  
1.2  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.  Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 11 and 12.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jun-1996
• ICS: 77.120.10 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.06 - Glassware Performance Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4340-96 - Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996
• Replaced By: ASTM D4340-96(2007) - Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7518-20 - Standard Specification for 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7933-22 - Standard Test Method for Engine Coolant Stagnation in Flux-Brazed Aluminum Heat Exchangers
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D3306-21 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D5752-10(2017) - Standard Specification for Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs) for Use in Precharging Coolants for Heavy-Duty Engines
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996
• Referred By: ASTM D7714-11(2021) - Standard Specification for Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1996

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D4340–96 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Test Method for
Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys in Engine Coolants
Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4340; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.2 This test method provides a means for selectively
screening unused engine coolants and will readily distinguish
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory screening proce-
those coolants that are unsuitable for use with aluminum
dure for evaluating the effectiveness of engine coolants in
cylinder head engines. However, satisfactory performance of a
combating corrosion of aluminum casting alloys under heat-
coolant in this test method does not ensure adequate long-term
transfer conditions that may be present in aluminum cylinder
service performance. Additional, more comprehensive evalua-
head engines.
tions with simulated service, dynamometer, and vehicle tests
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
should be used to establish the long-term effectiveness of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
coolant.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5. Apparatus
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
5.1 Heat-Transfer Corrosion Cell—The assembled corro-
tionary statements are given in Sections 11 and 12.
sion cell is shown schematically in Fig. 1. It is assembled from
2. Referenced Documents components, some of which require glass blowing or machin-
ing. The glass O-ring cell shall be constructed from two glass
2.1 ASTM Standards:
O-ring joints joined to an additional middle section of glass
D 1176 Test Method for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous
tubing of the same diameter to make a total length of 53 cm
Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing
(21 in.). Heat-resistant O-rings shall be used. Internal pressure
Purposes
shall be monitored using a suitable pressure gage, and a
3. Summary of Test Method
pressure-relief valve shall be installed to protect against
bursting.
3.1 In this test method, a heat flux is established through a
5.1.1 The top assembly plate (shown in Fig. 2) shall be
cast aluminum alloy typical of that used for engine cylinder
constructed of stainless steel, and the heat-transfer bar and
heads while exposed to an engine coolant under a pressure of
bottom assembly plate (also illustrated in Fig. 2) shall prefer-
193 kPa (28 psi). The temperature of the aluminum specimen
ably be constructed of stainless steel. Mild steel may be used
is maintained at 135°C (275°F) and the test is continued for 1
for the heat-transfer bar and bottom assembly plate.
week (168 h). The effectiveness of the coolant for preventing
5.2 Temperature Controller, with high-temperature alarm
corrosion of the aluminum under heat-transfer conditions
option and temperature control range up to at least 150°C
(hereafterreferredtoasheat-transfercorrosion)isevaluatedon
the basis of the weight change of the test specimen.
4. Significance and Use
A satisfactory O-ring Cell, Part #018098, ready to use, is available from HGF
Scientific, 2829 North Main St., Stafford, TX 77477, [phone].
4.1 It is essential that engine coolants prevent heat-transfer
Corning 6780, No. 40 Pyrex Brand O-ring joints have been found satisfactory.
corrosion of aluminum cylinder heads during engine operation.
Equivalent O-ring joints with a low coefficient of expansion may be used.
Any corrosion products formed may deposit on interior radia-
Pyrex Brand Glass, a trademark of Corning Glass Works, with a standard wall
thicknessof2.0mmhasbeenfoundsatisfactory.Equivalenthigh-strengthglasswith
tor surfaces, reducing heat-transfer efficiency of the radiator.
a low coefficient of expansion may be used.
Overheating and boil-over of the cooling system may then
Viton, a trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Co., Inc. has been found
occur.
satisfactory.SiliconeO-ringsmayalsobesatisfactory.Polytetrafluoroethyleneisnot
suitable due to a high creep rate at the test temperature.
Ametek, U.S. Gauge Division, Model E-82 has been found satisfactory. An
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine equivalent pressure gage may be used.
Coolants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.06 on Glassware Nupro, Catalog No. SS-4CPA2-3 has been found satisfactory. An equivalent
Performance Tests. pressure relief valve may be used.
Current edition approved June 10, 1996. Published September 1996. Last Athena, Model 2500T-B-16 F/C used with an electrical power relay or Model
previous edition D 4340 – 89. 2500S-B-16 F/C used with an SCR solid-state contractor has been found satisfac-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05. tory. An equivalent temperature controller may be used.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D4340
FIG. 1 Heat-Transfer Corrosion Test Assembly
Metric Equivalents
1 1 5 1 1 9 1 1
in. ⁄4 ⁄2 ⁄8 1 ⁄4 22 ⁄16 2 ⁄16 4 ⁄2 5 ⁄4
mm 6.35 12.7 15.88 31.75 50.8 52.39 65.09 114.3 133.35
FIG. 2 Heat-Transfer Corrosion Test Components
(302°F). Use Type J thermocouple. A heavy-duty electrical 5.5 Ultrasonic Cleaner, about 50 W, for cleaning alumi-
power relay or SCR solid-state contactor is connected to the num test samples.
temperature controller to carry the current load to the band 5.6 Vacuum Oven, with temperature range up to about
heaters. 150°C (302°F) for thoroughly drying cast aluminum samples.
10 14
5.3 Electrical Relay, 30-amp rating.The relay is changed 5.7 Vacuum Pump, for use with vacuum oven.
after about every 50 000 cycles to prevent contact welding.
5.4 Band Heaters, at least 950 W, 120-V ac, 5.1-cm
(2-in.) inside diameter, 12.7-cm (5-in.) length.
Bransonic Model 12, 50 W, 1-qt capacity has been found satisfactory. An
equivalent ultrasonic cleaner may be used.
ThelcoModel10hasbeenfoundsatisfactory.Anequivalentvacuumovenmay
be used.
10 14
Dayton 5X850A, SPST-NO-DM, 120 V, 30 amp has been found satisfactory. Ace-Nelson Model 911 has been found satisfactory. An equivalent vacuum
An equivalent mechanical, solid-state, or mercury-wetted relay may be used. pump may be used.
Hotwatt, 950-W standard construction band heater, standard tightening clamp,
TypeLterminalhasbeenfoundsatisfactory.Anequivalentbandheatermaybeused.
D4340
5.8 Thermal Cutoff, for over-temperature protection, lo- 11. Procedure
cated 1.3 cm ( ⁄2 in.) from the heat-transfer bar.
11.1 Assembly—Assemble the cell in accordance with Fig.
5.9 Compressed Air, for pressurizing test cell.
1. Use new O-rings between the aluminum test specimen and
5.10 Clear Plastic Safety Shield, for protection against
glass cell for each test. To help ensure that the O-rings are
bursting.
properlyseated,applyasmallamountofthetestsolutiontothe
glass O-ring groove for lubrication. Avoid overtightening of
6. Sampling
the threaded rod nuts.
6.1 The engine coolant concentrate shall be sampled in
11.2 Starting the Test—Transfer 500 mL of test coolant
accordance with Test Method D 1176.
solution into the test cell, screw the plug in the hole, and
tighten. Place the safety shield around the cell, (see Warning)
7. Metal Test Specimen
pressurize the cell to 138 kPa (20 psi) with compressed air, and
7.1 Cast Aluminum, conforming to UNS A03190 is used.
turn the band heater on. Provision must be made for a pressure
Specimen size is 6.5 cm (2.6 in.) in diameter, 1.3 cm (0.5 in.
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