ASTM D8034/D8034M-17

Standard Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method, by a closer approach to engine cooling system conditions, provides better evaluation and selective screening of engine coolants than is possible from glassware testing (Test Method D7935/D7935M). The improvement is achieved by controlled circulation of the coolant, by the use of automotive cooling system components, and by a greater ratio of metal surface area to coolant volume.  
4.2 Although this test method provides improved discrimination, it cannot conclusively predict satisfactory corrosion inhibition and service life. If greater assurance of satisfactory performance is desired, it should be obtained from full-scale engine tests and from field testing in actual service.  
4.3 Significance and interpretation of the test and its limitations are discussed further in Appendix X1.  
4.4 The substitution of components in the apparatus of Section 5 is permissible if agreed upon by the contracting parties.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method evaluates the effect of a circulating engine coolant on metal test specimens and automotive cooling system components under controlled, essentially isothermal laboratory conditions.  
1.2 This test method specifies test material, cooling system components, type of coolant, and coolant flow conditions that are considered typical of current automotive use.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice.  
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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 6.  
1.5 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-Mar-2017
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.22 - Non-Aqueous Coolants

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D8034/D8034M-16 - Standard Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM E203-24 - Standard Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1287-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1121-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1176-14(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D7935/D7935M-14 - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Test for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1176-14 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1287-11 - Standard Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2570-09 - Standard Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1287-09 - Standard Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM D2570-08 - Standard Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1176-98(2008) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1121-07 - Standard Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1123-99(2003)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concentrate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006

Overview

ASTM D8034/D8034M-17 is a standardized test method developed by ASTM International for the simulated service corrosion testing of non-aqueous engine coolants. This method evaluates the effect of non-aqueous engine coolant on various metal specimens and automotive cooling system components. By replicating conditions similar to those found in real automotive engine cooling systems, this test provides improved and more selective screening of coolant performance, with particular emphasis on measuring corrosion-inhibiting properties.

Compared to glassware-based tests, this approach involves the controlled circulation of the coolant, use of authentic automotive components, and a higher ratio of metal surface area to coolant volume. However, while useful for screening purposes, results from this test alone may not conclusively predict in-service corrosion resistance or coolant longevity. Supplemental full-scale engine and field testing is recommended for comprehensive evaluations.

Keywords: non-aqueous engine coolant, corrosion testing, ASTM D8034, simulated service, automotive cooling system, coolant evaluation

Key Topics

• Test Environment: The method operates under essentially isothermal laboratory conditions using a closed-loop system comprising actual automotive components, such as radiators, pumps, hoses, and pressure caps.
• Metal Exposure: Metal test specimens are mounted within a simulated engine cylinder block environment, exposing them to circulating coolant for a defined period and temperature cycle.
• Controlled Variables: The test precisely specifies materials, components, types of coolant, coolant flow, and temperature-typical of modern automotive usage.
• Corrosion Measurement: At the conclusion of the test, the effectiveness of corrosion inhibition is determined by quantifying the mass loss of test specimens and visually inspecting both the specimens and the internal surfaces of system components.
• Repeatability and Limitations: Repeatability and reproducibility may vary, particularly when corrosion mass losses are high. The test is intended as a discriminating screening tool rather than a definitive predictor of long-term coolant performance.
• Safety Considerations: The method details critical safety practices regarding electrical hazards, pressure systems, and handling of hot fluids.

Applications

ASTM D8034/D8034M-17 is widely used in the automotive industry and by coolant manufacturers for:

• Quality Control: Screening new formulations of non-aqueous engine coolants before proceeding to more resource-intensive engine dynamometer or field testing.
• Product Development: Assessing the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and identifying potential compatibility issues with common cooling system metals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Providing supporting data for regulatory submissions and adherence to industry best practices concerning coolant performance and metal protection.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing the performance of different coolant brands or formulations under consistent, reproducible simulated service conditions.

This standard is particularly valuable where rapid and selective evaluation of multiple coolant formulations is required to optimize product development timelines while ensuring compliance with automotive OEM specifications.

Related Standards

• ASTM D7935/D7935M: Corrosion Test for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware-an alternative, less representative lab-based test.
• ASTM D2570: Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Engine Coolants-focuses on aqueous engine coolants.
• ASTM D1287: Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts-used for sample analysis before and after testing.
• ASTM D1121: Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts-ensures proper coolant chemistry.
• SAE J20e: Standard for Coolant System Hoses-specifies hose requirements for use in test setups.
• ASTM E203 / D1123: Methods for determining water content in coolants, complementing test sample evaluations.

By adhering to ASTM D8034/D8034M-17, manufacturers, laboratories, and automotive engineers ensure a consistent, comparable, and recognized method for assessing the corrosion protection performance of non-aqueous engine coolants in simulated real-world conditions.

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: D8034/D8034M − 17
Standard Test Method for
Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Non-Aqueous
Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8034/D8034M; 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.
1. Scope* D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
1.1 This test method evaluates the effect of a circulating
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solu-
enginecoolantonmetaltestspecimensandautomotivecooling
tions of Engine Coolants orAntirusts forTesting Purposes
system components under controlled, essentially isothermal
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
laboratory conditions.
D1287 TestMethodforpHofEngineCoolantsandAntirusts
1.2 This test method specifies test material, cooling system
D2570 TestMethodforSimulatedServiceCorrosionTesting
components, type of coolant, and coolant flow conditions that
of Engine Coolants
are considered typical of current automotive use.
D7935/D7935M Test Method for Corrosion Test for Non-
Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer
Titration
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining 2.2 SAE Standard:
SAE J20e Standard for Coolant System Hoses
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard. Some values have only SI units because the 2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice. Coolant reservoir (1 drawing)
Framework for test equipment (3 drawings and B/M)
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1 An engine coolant is circulated for 1064 h at 96.1 °C
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
[205 °F] in a flow loop consisting of a metal reservoir, an
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
automotivecoolantpump,anautomotiveradiator,andconnect-
tionary statements are given in Section 6.
ing rubber hoses. Test specimens representative of engine
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
cooling system metals are mounted inside the reservoir, which
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
simulates an engine cylinder block. At the end of the test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
period, the corrosion-inhibiting properties of the coolant are
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
determinedbymeasuringthemasslossesofthetestspecimens,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and by visual examination of the interior surfaces of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
components.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 This test method, by a closer approach to engine cooling
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Cool-
system conditions, provides better evaluation and selective
ants and Antirusts
screening of engine coolants than is possible from glassware
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
D15.22 on Non-Aqueous Coolants. PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally Detail drawings are available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D8034/D8034M-16. Adjunct No. ADJD257001. Original adjunct produced in 1982. Reservoirs of cast
DOI: 10.1520/D8034_D8034M-17. iron or cast aluminum, made in accordance with these drawings may be obtained
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or from Commercial Machine Service, 1099TouhyAve., Elk GroveVillage, IL60007.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Detail and assembly drawings of a suitable framework and arrangement of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on components thereon are available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order
the ASTM website. Adjunct No. ADJD257002. Original adjunct produced in 1982.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8034/D8034M − 17
testing (Test Method D7935/D7935M). The improvement is 5. Apparatus
achieved by controlled circulation of the coolant, by the use of 4
5.1 Reservoir—An assembly drawing of this component is
automotive cooling system components, and by a greater ratio
shown in Fig. 1.The material of construction, representing that
of metal surface area to coolant volume.
oftheenginecylinderblock,shallbeSAEG3500GrayIronfor
Automotive Castings. No air line is to be attached.
4.2 Although this test method provides improved
discrimination, it cannot conclusively predict satisfactory cor- 5.2 AutomotiveComponents—Theseshallbethosenormally
used with a 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder automobile engine used in
rosion inhibition and service life. If greater assurance of
current automobiles in the United States, in the 1.6 to 5.0-L[98
satisfactory performance is desired, it should be obtained from
to 305-in. ] range of piston displacement. General character-
full-scale engine tests and from field testing in actual service.
istics shall be as follows:
4.3 Significance and interpretation of the test and its limi-
5.2.1 Radiator—Aluminum radiator, GM part No. 3093506,
tations are discussed further in Appendix X1.
or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement of the
4.4 The substitution of components in the apparatus of
Section 5 is permissible if agreed upon by the contracting 6
Aluminum or iron may be used if mutually agreed upon between the parties
parties. involved.
FIG. 1 Reservoir
D8034/D8034M − 17
parties involved. The radiator has a “neck” with a hose nipple requirements; heat-resistant cover; temperature rating: -40 to
and the top of the neck accepts a pressure cap. 125 °C [-40 to 257 °F].
5.2.2 RadiatorPressureCap—80to100kPa[12to15psig], 5.2.8 Hose Clamps—Preferably worm-screw type (constant
GM part No. 6410427. The pressure valve in the cap is tension may be used).
removed so as to allow free movement of coolant into and out
5.3 Pipe Fittings—The preferred material for the fittings
of the hose nipple. The only purpose of the cap is to be able to
requiredinthehoseconnectionsbetweenpumpdischargeports
open or close the opening at the top of the radiator neck.
and reservoir inlet is malleable cast iron. A satisfactory
5.2.3 Pressurized Expansion Tank—A plastic tank approxi-
alternative is steel.
mately 2 L, capable of withstanding a gauge pressure of
5.4 ElectricMotor—1.1 kW[1 ⁄2 hp] or larger, drip-proof or
136 kPa [20 psig] at 96.1 °C [205 °F].The tank has an opening
explosion-proof in accordance with local safety regulations.
at the top to accept a pressure cap and a nipple at the bottom
to accept a hose. Any other openings are sealed. 5.5 Pulleys and Drive Belt—Sized to drive the pump at a
5.2.4 Expansion Tank Pressure Cap—80 to 100 kPa [12 to
speed that will produce a flow rate of 1.3 to 1.6 L/s [20 to
15 psig] to fit the opening at the top of the expansion tank. 25 gal⁄min] for the General Motors 2.8-L [173-in.]V-6
5.2.5 Coolant Pump—GM part No. 14033483 (aluminum engine.Theflowrateatoperatingtemperatureisdeterminedby
matching front end cover). GM part No. 14033526 (aluminum
a flow measurement device located between pump discharge
provides back cover), coolant discharge parts and mounting for and reservoir inlet, as indicated in Fig. 2. The pressure drop
pump, or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement
between pump discharge and reservoir inlet, measured by the
of the parties involved. pressure gages shown in Fig. 2, must be maintained when the
5.2.6 Coolant Outlet—GM part No. 14033198 (aluminum),
flow measurement device is removed from the system. This
or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement of the
parties involved.
5.2.7 Hoses—Reinforced elastomer, meeting the require- 7
Flow rate indicator, 0.3 to 3.0 L/s [4 to 50 gal/min], of bronze construction is
ments of SAE J20e Type 20R1 Standard Wall Class D-2 satisfactory.
FIG. 2 Assembly of Test Apparatus
D8034/D8034M − 17
was changed in 1995 to eliminate the use of chromic acid, a recognized
can be done by substituting for the flow measurement device a
health hazard.
variable-flow restriction, such as a valve, which can be
adjusted to produce the same pressure drop as that measured 7.2 Arrangement—The metal test specimens shall be drilled
across the flow measurement device at the specified flow rate. through the center with a 6.8-mm [ ⁄64-in.] drill to accommo-
date a 65-mm [2 ⁄2-in.] 10–24 brass machine screw covered
5.6 Electric Heater—About 2000 W, either a hot plate
with a thin-walled insulating sleeve. Polytetrafluoroethylene
installed under the reservoir, or a circumferential, metal-clad
tubing with a 6.4-mm [ ⁄4-in.] outside diameter and a wall
heater band around the reservoir.
thickness of 0.4 mm [ ⁄64 in.] is satisfactory. The standard test
5.7 Thermoregulator—A suitable temperature regulator
“bundle” shall be assembled on the insulated screw with the
shall be used to maintain the coolant temperature between the
specimens in the following order, starting from the screw head:
limits specified by 9.3. The sensing unit of the regulator shall
copper, solder, brass, steel, cast iron, and cast aluminum. The
be installed in an opening on the reservoir cover. 3
specimens shall be separated by 5-mm [ ⁄16-in.] thick solid
metal and insulating spacers having a 6.8-mm [ ⁄64-in.] inside
5.8 Temperature Measuring Device—A thermocouple and
diameter and an 11-mm [7.16-in.] outside diameter. Brass
read-out instrument capable of indicating coolant temperature
spacers shall be used between the copper, solder, and brass
to the nearest 0.5 °C shall be installed in an opening on the
specimens, and steel spacers between the steel, cast iron, and
reservoir cover.
cast aluminum specimens. Insulating spacers made from poly-
5.9 Framework—A suitable framework shall be used to
tetrafluoroethylene shall be used between the screw head and
mount all the components as a unit.
the copper specimen, between the brass and steel specimens,
NOTE 1—The apparatus required for this test method is similar to that and between the cast aluminum specimen and a brass nut. The
required forTest Method D2570.Test Method D2570 Section 5Apparatus
nut shall be tightened firmly to ensure good electrical contact
includes possible component sources.
between the test specimens in each section of the bundle. As
shown in Fig. 3, each bundle shall be positioned on a bracket
6. Safety Precautions
mounted on the cap of the reservoir and fastened in place with
6.1 System Pressure—Protection against bursting shall be
another brass nut; the 50.8-mm [2-in.] dimensions of the test
provided by a working pressure-relief cap at the top of the
specimens shall be horizontal when inserted into the reservoir.
expansiontank.Asafetyenclosureisalsorecommended.When
8. Test Solution
power is applied to the heating element(s), the pump shall be
turned on and circulating the test fluid.
8.1 The coolant to be tested shall be a 94 % by volume
non-aqueous coolant prepared with corrosive water (Note 4).
6.2 PumpDrive—Asafety guard for the coolant pump drive
The corrosive water shall contain 100 ppm each of sulfate,
belt and pulleys shall be provided.
chloride, and bicarbonate ions introduced as the sodium salts.
6.3 Electrical—Electrical circuits required for operation of
Preparation of the sample shall be done in accordance with
motor, heater, and thermo-regulator shall be installed with
Section 6 of Practice D1176, with corrosive water used for
suitable precautions against electrical shock to operating per-
dilution. Thus, any insoluble materials will be included in the
sonnel in the event of accidental spills of electrically conduc-
representative sample.
tive liquids.
NOTE 4—1 L of the specified corrosive water can be prepared by
6.4 Thermal—Protection of operating personnel against
dissolving the following amounts of anhydrous sodium salts in a quantity
burns from exposed metal surfaces, especially those of the
of distilled or deionized water:
heater, shall be provided.
Sodium sulfate 148 mg
Sodium chloride 165 mg
6.5 Plumbing—Protection of operatin
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D8034/D8034M − 16 D8034/D8034M − 17
Standard Test Method for
Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Non-Aqueous
Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8034/D8034M; 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.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method evaluates the effect of a circulating engine coolant on metal test specimens and automotive cooling system
components under controlled, essentially isothermal laboratory conditions.
1.2 This test method specifies test material, cooling system components, type of coolant, and coolant flow conditions that are
considered typical of current automotive use.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound equivalents
are not used in practice.
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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 6.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concentrate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1287 Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
D2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Engine Coolants
D7935/D7935M Test Method for Corrosion Test for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware
E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
2.2 SAE Standards:Standard:
SAE J20e Standard for Coolant System Hoses
2.3 ASTM Adjuncts:
Coolant reservoir (1 drawing)
Framework for test equipment (3 drawings and B/M)
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.22 on
Non-Aqueous Coolants.
Current edition approved July 1, 2016April 1, 2017. Published September 2016April 2017. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as
D8034/D8034M-16. DOI: 10.1520/D8034_D8034M-16.10.1520/D8034_D8034M-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
Detail drawings are available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJD257001. Original adjunct produced in 1982. Reservoirs of cast iron or
cast aluminum, made in accordance with these drawings may be obtained from Commercial Machine Service, 1099 Touhy Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
Detail and assembly drawings of a suitable framework and arrangement of components thereon are available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ADJD257002. Original adjunct produced in 1982.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8034/D8034M − 17
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 An engine coolant is circulated for 1064 h at 96.1°C [205°F]96.1 °C [205 °F] in a flow loop consisting of a metal reservoir,
an automotive coolant pump, an automotive radiator, and connecting rubber hoses. Test specimens representative of engine cooling
system metals are mounted inside the reservoir, which simulates an engine cylinder block. At the end of the test period, the
corrosion-inhibiting properties of the coolant are determined by measuring the mass losses of the test specimens, and by visual
examination of the interior surfaces of the components.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method, by a closer approach to engine cooling system conditions, provides better evaluation and selective
screening of engine coolants than is possible from glassware testing (Test Method D7935/D7935M). The improvement is achieved
by controlled circulation of the coolant, by the use of automotive cooling system components, and by a greater ratio of metal
surface area to coolant volume.
4.2 Although this test method provides improved discrimination, it cannot conclusively predict satisfactory corrosion inhibition
and service life. If greater assurance of satisfactory performance is desired, it should be obtained from full-scale engine tests and
from field testing in actual service.
4.3 Significance and interpretation of the test and its limitations are discussed further in Appendix X1.
4.4 The substitution of components in the apparatus of Section 5 is permissible if agreed upon by the contracting parties.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Reservoir—An assembly drawing of this component is shown in Fig. 1. The material of construction, representing that of
the engine cylinder block, shall be SAE G3500 Gray Iron for Automotive Castings. No air line is to be attached.
5.2 Automotive Components—These shall be those normally used with a 4-, 6-, or 8-cylinder automobile engine used in current
automobiles in the United States, in the 1.6 to 5.0-L [98 to 305-in.]305-in. ] range of piston displacement. General characteristics
shall be as follows:
5.2.1 Radiator—Aluminum radiator, GM part No. 3093506, or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement of the
parties involved. The radiator has a “neck” with a hose nipple and the top of the neck accepts a pressure cap.
5.2.2 Radiator Pressure Cap—80 to 100 kPa [12 to 15 psig], GM part No. 6410427. The pressure valve in the cap is removed
so as to allow free movement of coolant into and out of the hose nipple. The only purpose of the cap is to be able to open or close
the opening at the top of the radiator neck.
5.2.3 Pressurized Expansion Tank—A plastic tank approximately 2 L, capable of withstanding a gauge pressure of 136 kPa [20
psig] at 96.1°C [205°F].96.1 °C [205 °F]. The tank has an opening at the top to accept a pressure cap and a nipple at the bottom
to accept a hose. Any other openings are sealed.
5.2.4 Expansion Tank Pressure Cap—80 to 100 kPa [12 to 15 psig] to fit the opening at the top of the expansion tank.
5.2.5 Coolant Pump—GM part No. 14033483 (aluminum matching front end cover). GM part No. 14033526 (aluminum
provides back cover), coolant discharge parts and mounting for pump, or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement of
the parties involved.
5.2.6 Coolant Outlet—GM part No. 14033198 (aluminum), or equivalent, may be used subject to mutual agreement of the
parties involved.
5.2.7 Hoses—Reinforced elastomer, meeting the requirements of SAE J20e Type 20R1 Standard Wall Class D-2 requirements;
heat-resistant cover; temperature rating: -40 to 125°C125 °C [-40 to 257°F].257 °F].
5.2.8 Hose Clamps—Preferably worm-screw type (constant tension may be used).
5.3 Pipe Fittings—The preferred material for the fittings required in the hose connections between pump discharge ports and
reservoir inlet is malleable cast iron. A satisfactory alternative is steel.
5.4 Electric Motor—1.1 kW [1 ⁄2 hp] or larger, drip-proof or explosion-proof in accordance with local safety regulations.
5.5 Pulleys and Drive Belt—Sized to drive the pump at a speed that will produce a flow rate of 1.3 to 1.6 L/s [20 to 25 gal ⁄min]
for the General Motors 2.8-L [173-in. ] V-6 engine. The flow rate at operating temperature is determined by a flow measurement
device located between pump discharge and reservoir inlet, as indicated in Fig. 2. The pressure drop between pump discharge and
reservoir inlet, measured by the pressure gages shown in Fig. 2, must be maintained when the flow measurement device is removed
from the system. This can be done by substituting for the flow measurement device a variable-flow restriction, such as a valve,
which can be adjusted to produce the same pressure drop as that measured across the flow measurement device at the specified
flow rate.
5.6 Electric Heater—About 2000 W, either a hot plate installed under the reservoir, or a circumferential, metal-clad heater band
around the reservoir.
Aluminum or iron may be used if mutually agreed upon between the parties involved.
Flow rate indicator, 0.3 to 3.0 L/s [4 to 50 gal/min], of bronze construction is satisfactory.
D8034/D8034M − 17
FIG. 1 Reservoir
5.7 Thermoregulator—A suitable temperature regulator shall be used to maintain the coolant temperature between the limits
specified by 9.3. The sensing unit of the regulator shall be installed in an opening on the reservoir cover.
5.8 Temperature Measuring Device—A thermocouple and read-out instrument capable of indicating coolant temperature to the
nearest 0.5°C0.5 °C shall be installed in an opening on the reservoir cover.
5.9 Framework—A suitable framework shall be used to mount all the components as a unit.
NOTE 1—The apparatus required for this test method is similar to that required for Test Method D2570. Test Method D2570 Section 5 Apparatus
includes possible component sources.
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 System Pressure—Protection against bursting shall be provided by a working pressure-relief cap at the top of the expansion
tank. A safety enclosure is also recommended. When power is applied to the heating element(s), the pump shall be turned on and
circulating the test fluid.
6.2 Pump Drive—A safety guard for the coolant pump drive belt and pulleys shall be provided.
6.3 Electrical—Electrical circuits required for operation of motor, heater, and thermo-regulator shall be installed with suitable
precautions against electrical shock to operating personnel in the event of accidental spills of electrically conductive liquids.
D8034/D8034M − 17
FIG. 2 Assembly of Test Apparatus
6.4 Thermal—Protection of operating personnel against burns from exposed metal surfaces, especially those of the heater, shall
be provided.
6.5 Plumbing—Protection of operating personnel against burns or scalds from hot fluid escaping from burst hoses or failed
plumbing connections shall be provided.
7. Metal Test Specimens
NOTE 2—Current production vehicles may have differing alloy. Therefore, specimens other than those designated in this test method may be used by
mutual agreement of the parties involved.
7.1 The description, specification, preparation, cleaning, and weighing of the metal test specimens to be used in this test method
are given in detail in Test Method D7935/D7935M. However, the solid solder specimen allowed as an alternative in Test Method
D7935/D7935M shall not be used in this test method, as it has been known to bend and contact an adjoining specimen. Specimens
containing high lead solder, or low lead solder, or both, may be used subject to mutual agreement of the parties involved.
NOTE 3—The procedure for the cleaning of aluminum alloy coupons was changed in 1995 to eliminate the use of chromic acid, a recognized health
hazard.
7.2 Arrangement—The metal test specimens shall be drilled through the center with a 6.8-mm [ ⁄64-in.] drill to accommodate
a 65-mm [2 ⁄2-in.] 10–24 brass machine screw covered with a thin-walled insulating sleeve. Polytetrafluoroethylene tubing with
1 1
a 6.4-mm [ ⁄4-in.] outside diameter and a wall thickness of 0.4 mm [ ⁄64 in.] is satisfactory. The standard test “bundle” shall be
assembled on the insulated screw with the specimens in the following order, starting from the screw head: copper, solder, brass,
steel, cast iron, and cast aluminum. The specimens shall be separated by 5-mm [ ⁄16-in.] thick solid metal and insulating spacers
having a 6.8-mm [ ⁄64-in.] inside diameter and an 11-mm [7.16-in.] outside diameter. Brass spacers shall be used between the
copper, solder, and brass specimens, and steel spacers between the steel, cast iron, and cast aluminum specimens. Insulating spacers
made from polytetrafluoroethylene shall be used between the screw head and the copper specimen, between the brass and steel
specimens, and between the cast aluminum specimen and a brass nut. The nut shall be tightened firmly to ensure good electrical
contact between
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