ASTM D4985-10(2023)

Standard Specification for Low Silicate Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Heavy Duty Engines Requiring a Pre-Charge of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for low silicate ethylene glycol base engine coolants for cooling systems of heavy-duty engines. Such engines are typically used in off-highway machinery for agriculture, mining, earth-moving, and construction; Class 5 to 8 over the road trucks and buses; high output stationary engine installations; and locomotive and marine installations. Prediluted coolants shall be prepared using deionized Ethylene glycol base engine coolant concentrates or prediluted ethylene glycol base engine coolants shall be formulated with ethylene glycol. The coolants shall conform to the prescribed physical, chemical, and performance requirements, which include relative density, freezing point, boiling point, ash content, pH, reserve alkalinity, water content, chloride ion content, silicon content, corrosion in glassware, simulated service test, foaming, and cavitation. The color and effect of nonmetals of the coolant shall be evaluated. Prediluted coolant shall also meet the required content of sulfate and iron. Its CaCO3 content shall be tested to determine its hardness.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for low silicate ethylene glycol base engine coolants for cooling systems of heavy-duty engines. When concentrates are used at 40 % to 60 % 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 corrosion, freezing to at least −36.4 °C (−33.5 °F), and boiling to at least 108 °C (226 °F).
Note 1: This specification is based on the knowledge of the performance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients. A separate specification exists (Specification D6210) for heavy-duty engine coolants which may be prepared from recycled or reprocessed used coolant or reprocessed industrial-source ethylene glycol.  
1.2 Coolants meeting this specification require an initial charge of a supplemental coolant additive (SCA) and require regular maintenance doses of an SCA to continue the protection in certain operating heavy-duty engine cooling systems, particularly those of the wet cylinder liner-in-block design. The SCA additions are defined by and are the primary responsibility of the engine manufacturer or vehicle manufacturer. If they provide no instructions, follow the SCA supplier's recommended instructions.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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-Aug-2023
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.07 - Specifications

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1384-24 - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5931-20 - Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Coolants by Digital Density Meter
• Effective Date: 15-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1121-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1287-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1177-19 - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1384-05(2019) - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3306-19 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6130-11(2018) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other Elements in Engine Coolant by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5931-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Coolants by Digital Density Meter
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1881-17 - Standard Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1122-16(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1177-16 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1122-16 - Standard Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1120-16 - Standard Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1177-14 - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014

Overview

ASTM D4985-10(2023) is a standard specification developed by ASTM International that outlines the requirements for low silicate ethylene glycol base engine coolants used in heavy-duty engines. These coolants are vital for systems operating in demanding applications, such as off-highway machinery in agriculture, mining, earth-moving, and construction, as well as in Class 5 to 8 trucks and buses, locomotive, marine, and stationary engine installations.

This specification ensures that both coolant concentrates and prediluted formulations provide reliable protection against corrosion, freezing, and overheating when properly used alongside a supplemental coolant additive (SCA). The standard sets benchmarks for essential physical, chemical, and performance properties, supporting the long-term efficiency and durability of heavy-duty engine cooling systems.

Key Topics

• Applicability: Covers low silicate ethylene glycol base coolants designed for heavy-duty engines requiring an SCA pre-charge.
• Formulations: Applies to both concentrates (intended for dilution with water, generally 40% to 60%) and prediluted coolants (at least 50% ethylene glycol, used without further dilution).
• Performance Requirements: Ensures protection to at least −36.4 °C (−33.5 °F) for freezing and 108 °C (226 °F) for boiling, when properly prepared.
• Quality Factors: Specifies criteria for relative density, boiling and freezing points, ash content, pH, reserve alkalinity, water and chloride content, silicon content, corrosion protection, foaming, cavitation resistance, and visual aspects such as color and effects on non-metals.
• Maintenance Needs: Highlights the requirement for an initial SCA charge and ongoing maintenance doses to sustain corrosion and cavitation protection, especially in wet cylinder liner engines.

Applications

ASTM D4985-compliant coolants are used in:

• Off-highway vehicles for agriculture, construction, earth-moving, and mining
• Medium and heavy-duty over-the-road trucks and buses (Class 5-8)
• High-output stationary engine installations
• Locomotive and marine engines

These engine coolants are specifically designed to:

• Provide robust coolant formulations that resist corrosion, cavitation, and overheating in harsh environments and prolonged use.
• Ensure compatibility with SCAs, vital for systems featuring wet cylinder liners susceptible to pitting and deposits.
• Support the maintenance and longevity of heavy-duty diesel and gasoline engines by maintaining proper engine temperature and minimizing system scale and deposits.
• Allow for easy use with prediluted products or proper dilution using quality-controlled water for field and service operations.
• Comply with U.S. Department of Defense and international requirements, facilitating adoption across a wide range of sectors and geographies.

Related Standards

This standard references and aligns with several other ASTM standards critical to engine coolant evaluation and performance, including but not limited to:

• ASTM D3306 - Specification for glycol-based engine coolant for automobiles and light-duty service
• ASTM D6210 - Specification for fully-formulated glycol base engine coolant (including those from recycled or reprocessed glycols)
• ASTM D1384, D2570, D2809 - Test methods for corrosion and cavitation resistance
• ASTM D1119, D1120, D1121, D1122, D1177, D1287, D1293, D6130, D1126 - Methods for testing physical and chemical properties such as boiling point, ash, pH, hardness, and silicon content

By adhering to ASTM D4985-10(2023), manufacturers and end-users can ensure heavy-duty engine coolants deliver optimal performance, safety, and engine protection, supporting uptime and equipment longevity across critical operations.

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: D4985 − 10 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Low Silicate Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Heavy
Duty Engines Requiring a Pre-Charge of Supplemental
Coolant Additive (SCA)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4985; 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 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for low
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
silicate ethylene glycol base engine coolants for cooling
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
systems of heavy-duty engines. When concentrates are used at
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
40 % to 60 % concentration by volume in water, or when
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
prediluted glycol base engine coolants (50 volume % mini-
mum) are used without further dilution, they will function
2. Referenced Documents
effectively to provide protection against corrosion, freezing to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
at least −36.4 °C (−33.5 °F), and boiling to at least 108 °C
D512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
(226 °F).
D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
NOTE 1—This specification is based on the knowledge of the perfor-
D1119 Test Method for Percent Ash Content of Engine
mance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients. A
Coolants
separate specification exists (Specification D6210) for heavy-duty engine
D1120 Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine Coolants
coolants which may be prepared from recycled or reprocessed used
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Cool-
coolant or reprocessed industrial-source ethylene glycol.
ants and Antirusts
1.2 Coolants meeting this specification require an initial
D1122 Test Method for Relative Density of Engine Coolant
charge of a supplemental coolant additive (SCA) and require
Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
regular maintenance doses of an SCA to continue the protec-
D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
tion in certain operating heavy-duty engine cooling systems,
trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
particularly those of the wet cylinder liner-in-block design. The
D1126 Test Method for Hardness in Water
SCA additions are defined by and are the primary responsibility
D1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine
of the engine manufacturer or vehicle manufacturer. If they
Coolants
provide no instructions, follow the SCA supplier’s recom-
D1287 Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
mended instructions.
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D1384 Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
in Glassware
only.
D1881 Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine
Coolants in Glassware
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D1882 Test Method for Effect of Cooling System Chemical
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Solutions on Organic Finishes for Automotive Vehicles
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of Engine Coolants
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D2809 Test Method for Cavitation Corrosion and Erosion-
Corrosion Characteristics of Aluminum Pumps With En-
gine Coolants
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D15.07 on Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4985 – 10 (2015). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D4985-10R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4985 − 10 (2023)
D3306 Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for 4. General Requirements
Automobile and Light-Duty Service
4.1 Ethylene glycol base engine coolant concentrates or
D3634 Test Method for Trace Chloride Ion in Engine Cool-
prediluted ethylene glycol base engine coolants shall be
ants
formulated with ethylene glycol meeting Specification E1177,
D4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Suppressed Ion
water, and shall contain suitable corrosion inhibitors, dye, and
Chromatography
a foam suppressor. Other glycols, such as propylene and
D4725 Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
diethylene, may be included in concentrates up to a maximum
D5827 Test Method for Analysis of Engine Coolant for
of 15 % (7.5 % for prediluted coolants) if the physical and
Chloride and Other Anions by Ion Chromatography
chemical properties in Table 1 are met.
D5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
4.2 All ethylene glycol base engine coolants shall conform
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool-
to the general requirements in Table 2.
ants by Digital Density Meter
D6129 Test Method for Silicon in Engine Coolant Concen-
4.3 Prediluted coolants shall be prepared using deionized
trates by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy water that meets the following requirements:
D6130 Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
Elements in Engine Coolant by Inductively Coupled
Chlorides, μg/g (ppm (grains/gal)) 25 (1.5) max D5827, D512, D4327
Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Sulfate, μg/g (ppm (grains/gal)) 50 (3.0) max D5827, D516, D4327
D6210 Specification for Fully-Formulated Glycol Base En-
Hardness, as CaCO , 20 (1.2) max D6130, D1126
μg/g (ppm (grains/gal))
gine Coolant for Heavy-Duty Engines
pH 5.5 to 8.5 D1287, D1293
D6660 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene
Iron, μg/g (ppm (grains/gal)) 1.0 (0.06) max D6130, E394
Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Tran-
sition Method
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
TABLE 1 Physical and Chemical Requirements
Determine Conformance with Specifications
Specific Values
E394 Test Method for Iron in Trace Quantities Using the
ASTM Test
Property Concentrate Predilute
1,10-Phenanthroline Method
Method
E1177 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
Relative density, 15.5/15.5 °C 1.110 to 1.145 1.065 min D1122, D5931
(60/60 °F)
2.2 Other Document:
Federal Method 2540B Total Dissolved Solids Dried at
A
Freezing point, °C (°F): D1177, D6660
103–105°C
50 vol % in DI water −36.4 (−33.5)
max
3. Terminology Undiluted −36.4 (−33.5)
max
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
B
Boiling point, °C (°F): D1120
3.1.1 heavy duty engine—a diesel, gasoline, or similarly
Undiluted 163 (325) min 108 (226) min
fueled internal combustion engine, having operating character-
50 vol % in DI water 108 (226) min
istics of a long duty cycle at or near maximum rated conditions.
Ash content, mass % 5 max 2.5 max D1119
Such engines are typically used in off-highway machinery for
agriculture, mining, earth-moving, and construction; Class 5 to
pH: D1287
8 over the road trucks and buses; high output stationary engine 50 vol % in DI water 7.5 to 11
Undiluted 7.5 to 11
installations; and locomotive and marine installations. (See
Specification D3306 for coolant requirements for automobiles, C C
Reserve alkalinity, mL report report D1121
vans, and pickup class trucks.)
Water, mass % 5 max not applicable D1123
3.1.2 supplemental coolant additive (SCA)—a material
D
added to the cooling system of a heavy-duty engine to provide Chloride ion, μg/g 25 max 25 max D3634, D5827
additional cavitation protection and corrosion inhibition and to
Silicon, μg/g 250 max 125 max D6129, D6130
minimize deposits on heat transfer surfaces.
E
Effect on engine or vehicle finish no effect no effect D1882
3.2 Definitions:
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed
3.2.1 other glycols, n—in ethylene glycol base engine
value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in
coolant, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene
expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of
glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene Practice E29.
B
Some precipitate may be observed at the end of the test method. This should not
glycol, and 1,3-propanediol.
be cause for rejection.
C
Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
3.2.2 For definitions of other terms used in this
D
In case of dispute, Test Method D3634 shall be the preferred test method.
specification, refer to Terminology D4725.
E
Currently, many heavy-duty engine manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers
that use these engines prepare test panels using the specific paint finishes
employed on their actual products. Coolant suppliers and equipment builders
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. American
should agree on the exact test procedures and acceptance criteria on an individual
Public Health Association, et al, 801 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001,
case basis.
http://www.apha.org.
D4985 − 10 (2023)
A
TABLE 2 General Requirements TABLE 3 Performance Requirements
ASTM Test Solution
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
Specific
Property Test Concentration,
Color distinctive . . .
Values
Method vol % Glycol
Effect on nonmetals no adverse effect under consideration
B
Corrosion in glassware D1384 33
Weight loss, mg/specimen:
copper 10 max
NOTE 2—Prediluted coolants are intended for direct addition to an
solder 30 max
engine cooling system with no further dilution.
brass 10 max
steel 10 max
This practice minimizes the formation of hard water scale
cast iron 10 max
and avoids the introduction of mineral components, such as
aluminum 30 max
C
chlorides and sulfates, which can increase the corrosion rate of Simulated service test D2570 44
weight loss, mg/specimen:
aluminum and iron. The use of Type IV reagent water also
copper 20 max
minimizes interferences that may cause coolant instability or
solder 60 max
SCA compatibility problems. brass 20 max
steel 20 max
4.4 When diluting engine coolant concentrates for actual
cast iron 20 max
aluminum 60 max
service, municipal (treated) or a low-mineral content well
D
Foaming: D1881 33
water should be used (see Appendix X1, Table X1.1).
Volume, mL 150 max
Break time, s 5 max
4.5 Diluted coolant concentrates or prediluted coolants,
E
Cavitation-Erosion 8 min D2809 17
when mixed with SCA in accordance with the engine manu-
Rating for pitting, cavitation, and
facturer’s recommendations and those on the
...