ASTM D6107-97(2023)

Standard Specification for Stop-Leak Additive for Engine Coolants Used in Light Duty Service

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements of a stop-leak additive to function effectively in automobile and light duty service. The stop-leak is intended to seal small leaks in engine cooling systems without adversely affecting heat transfer and fluid flow. The hole plugging capability, and foaming tendency of the stop-leak additive shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements of a stop-leak additive to function effectively in automobile and light duty service. The stop-leak is intended to seal small leaks in engine cooling systems without adversely affecting heat transfer and fluid flow.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 43.060.30 - Cooling systems. Lubricating systems
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.07 - Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6107-97(2017) - Standard Specification for Stop-Leak Additive for Engine Coolants Used in Light Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D6107-97(2023) establishes the requirements for stop-leak additives used in engine coolants for automobiles and other light-duty vehicles. Issued by ASTM International, this standard specification outlines how stop-leak products should perform to ensure they reliably seal minor leaks in engine cooling systems without negatively affecting heat transfer or coolant flow. By following this standard, manufacturers, testers, and users can be confident in the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of stop-leak additives intended for light-duty service.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Defines stop-leak additives for sealing small leaks in engine cooling systems in light-duty vehicles.
• Performance Requirements:
  • Must seal a minimum hole size of 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) and a minimum slot size of 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) by 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)
  • Must not plug slots larger than 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) by 0.635 mm (0.025 in.)
  • Residue or particulates must not remain after fluid passes through an ASTM E-11 No. 10 sieve.
  • Stop-leak additives are also evaluated for their foaming tendency using ASTM D1881; a maximum of 150-mL foam and a maximum break time of 5 seconds is permitted.
  • All testing must be performed in duplicate, and both sets of results must meet requirements.
• Testing Procedures:
  • Sampling and preparation must conform to ASTM D1176.
  • Plugging capabilities and foaming tendencies are tested using ASTM D3147 and ASTM D1881, respectively.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • The stop-leak additive must not adversely affect the engine coolant’s heat transfer or fluid flow characteristics.
  • Users are responsible for compliance with applicable safety, health, and environmental practices.
• Units of Measurement: SI units are used as the reference standard.

Applications

This standard is practically valuable for:

• Automotive Manufacturers: To qualify stop-leak additives for use in new vehicle models and aftermarket service.
• Coolant Additive Producers: Ensuring their products meet rigorous industry benchmarks for performance and safety before market release.
• Automotive Technicians and Maintenance Facilities: Verifying that products used for radiator and cooling system repairs align with recognized standards, minimizing the risk of complications from improper sealing or coolant degradation.
• Regulatory Agencies: Supporting consistent, internationally aligned criteria for vehicle and product certification.
• Vehicle Owners: Offering confidence that stop-leak additives conforming to ASTM D6107-97(2023) are both safe and effective for fixing small coolant system leaks without harming the vehicle engine or system performance.

Related Standards

When applying or referencing ASTM D6107-97(2023) for stop-leak additives in engine coolants, consider reviewing these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1176: Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• ASTM D1881: Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
• ASTM D3147: Test Method for Testing Stop-Leak Additives for Engine Coolants

These documents provide the methods and guidance for sampling, testing, and evaluating stop-leak performance in the context of this specification. For up-to-date editions and further information, visit the ASTM International website.

Keywords: stop-leak additives, engine coolant, light-duty vehicle, ASTM D6107, cooling system repair, coolant performance, leak sealing, automotive standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6107 − 97 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Stop-Leak Additive for Engine Coolants Used in Light Duty
Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6107; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Performance Requirements
3.1 The following performance requirements of stop-leak
1.1 This specification covers the requirements of a stop-leak
additives must be achieved in order to meet this specification.
additive to function effectively in automobile and light duty
service. The stop-leak is intended to seal small leaks in engine
3.2 The stop-leak additive must be capable of plugging a
cooling systems without adversely affecting heat transfer and
minimum hole size of 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) and a minimum
fluid flow.
slot size of 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) long by 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)
wide when tested in accordance with Test Method D3147.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 3.3 The stop-leak additive must not plug a slot size larger
only. than 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) long by 0.635 mm (0.025 in.) wide.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.4 Fluid removed from the Test Method D3147 stop-leak
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the test must not leave any residue or particulate matter on the
surface of an ASTM E-11 No. 10 sieve, when poured through
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- the sieve.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.5 Stop-leak additives passing the tests detailed above must
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
be tested for foaming tendency in accordance with the Test
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Method D1881. A volume of 150-mL maximum foam is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
allowable with a break time of 5 s max. The foam test must be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
run on fluid removed from the apparatus used, at the comple-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tion of the Test Method D3147 stop-leak test.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.6 Duplicate test runs must be conducted for each stop-leak
additive tested. Both sets of results are to be reported. Both sets
2. Referenced Documents
of results must satisfy all the requirements outlined in this
specification.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Prepa
...