ASTM D1177-16

Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the coolant freeze protection.  
5.2 The freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate glycol content, provided the glycol type is known.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freezing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the laboratory.  
Note 1: Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested, they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Practice D1176. Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be separated.
Note 2: These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form (prediluted).  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2016
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.03 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1177-12 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D6660-01(2023) - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Transition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D7583-16(2023) - Standard Test Method for John Deere Coolant Cavitation Test
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D3306-21 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D3321-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D8039-16(2023) - Standard Specification for Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) for Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D7518-20 - Standard Specification for 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D7713-18 - Standard Specification for Aqueous Engine Coolant Grade Glycol (53 % by Volume Nominal)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D3585-08(2020) - Standard Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D7714-11(2021) - Standard Specification for Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: 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)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016

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: D1177 − 16
Standard Test Method for
1
Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1177; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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* 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freez- 4.1 This test method involves the determination of the
ing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the time-temperature curve prior to freezing and the determination
laboratory. of the horizontal or flattened portion of the freezing curve.The
freezing point is taken as the intersection of projections of the
NOTE 1—Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested,
cooling curve and the freezing curve. If the solution
they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Practice
supercools, the freezing point is the maximum temperature
D1176. Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be separated.
NOTE 2—These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form
reached after supercooling.
(prediluted).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 5. Significance and Use
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
5.1 The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the
only.
coolant freeze protection.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.2 The freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
determine the approximate glycol content, provided the glycol
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
type is known.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Freezing Point Apparatus, shown assembled in Fig. 1,
2. Referenced Documents
consisting of the following:
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.1 Cooling Bath, in which the refrigerant is contained,
D1176Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solu-
consisting of a standard 1.9-L (2-qt) Dewar flask. The flask
tionsofEngineCoolantsorAntirustsforTestingPurposes
may be silvered or unsilvered, and is supported in a close-
E1Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
fitting container.Apad of glass wool is placed in the bottom of
the flask to protect it from damage by tip of freezing tube.
3. Terminology
3
6.1.2 Freezing Tube consisting of a 200-mL (6.8-oz.)
3.1 Definitions:
unevacuated, unsilvered Dewar flask. The tube is closed by a
3.1.1 freezing point—the temperature at which crystalliza-
cork having a central hole for the thermocouple or resistance
tion begins in the absence of supercooling, or the maximum
thermometer, a second hole placed to one side for passage of
temperature reached immediately after initial crystal formation
the stirring rod, and a third hole for introducing wire for
in the case of supercooling, or the temperature at which solid
seeding at appropriate time.
crystals,formedoncooling,disappearwhenthetemperatureof
6.1.3 Stirring Mechanism, consisting of a five-coil stirrer
the specimen is allowed to rise. 1
formedofstainlesssteelwire1.6mm( ⁄16in.)indiameter.The
coils are so spaced that, in the extreme upward position during
operation, no coils are exposed above the surface of the
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine
sample. The stirrer is agitated by means of an ordinary
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
windshield wiper motor or other motor devices, operating
D15.03 on Physical Properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally through suitable linkages so as to provide linear motion of the
approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1177–12. DOI:
10.1520/D1177-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM For routine work, a tube with a seeding tip as described in the paper by R. E.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Mallonee and F. L. Howard, “The Determination of Freezing Point of Engine
the ASTM website. Antifreeze,” in the February 1951 issue of the ASTM Bulletin may be used.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D1177 − 16
FIG. 1 A
...

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: D1177 − 12 D1177 − 16
Standard Test Method for
1
Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1177; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freezing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the laboratory.
NOTE 1—Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested, they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Practice D1176.
Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be separated.
NOTE 2—These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form (prediluted).
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 freezing point—the temperature at which crystallization begins in the absence of supercooling, or the maximum
temperature reached immediately after initial crystal formation in the case of supercooling, or the temperature at which solid
crystals, formed on cooling, disappear when the temperature of the specimen is allowed to rise.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method involves the determination of the time-temperature curve prior to freezing and the determination of the
horizontal or flattened portion of the freezing curve. The freezing point is taken as the intersection of projections of the cooling
curve and the freezing curve. If the solution supercools, the freezing point is the maximum temperature reached after supercooling.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the coolant freeze protection.
5.2 The freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate glycol content, provided the glycol type
is known.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Freezing Point Apparatus, shown assembled in Fig. 1, consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Cooling Bath, in which the refrigerant is contained, consisting of a standard 1.9-L (2-qt) Dewar flask. The flask may be
silvered or unsilvered, and is supported in a close-fitting container. A pad of glass wool is placed in the bottom of the flask to protect
it from damage by tip of freezing tube.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2012April 1, 2016. Published November 2012May 2016. Originally approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
D1177 – 07.D1177 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/D1177-12.10.1520/D1177-16.
2
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.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D1177 − 16
FIG. 1 Assembly of Freezing Point Apparatus
3
6.1.2 Freezing Tube consisting consisting of a 200-mL (6.8-oz.) unevacuated, unsilvered Dewar flask. The tube is closed by
a cork having a central hole for the thermocouple or resistance thermometer, a second hole placed to one side for passage of the
stirring rod, and a third hole for introducing wire for seeding at appropriate time.
1
6.1.3 Stirring Mechanism, consisting of a five-coil stirrer formed of stainless steel wire 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.) in diameter. The coils
are so spaced that, in the extreme upward position during operation, no coils are exposed above the
...