ASTM D7714-11(2021)

Standard Specification for Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for glycerin base engine coolants used in automobiles or other light duty service cooling systems. The requirements for engine coolant concentrates, prediluted glycerin base engine coolants, glycerin base coolant concentrates, and coolant concentrates include colour, effect on non-metals, relative density, and corrosion in glassware.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for glycerin base engine coolants used in automobiles or other light duty service cooling systems. When concentrates are used at 50 % to 60 % concentration by volume in water, or when prediluted glycerin base engine coolants (50 volume % minimum) are used without further dilution, they will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion.  
1.2 The coolants governed by this specification are categorized as follows:    
Coolant Type  
Description  
I  
Glycerin base concentrate  
II  
Glycerin predilute (50 to 60 volume %)
Note 1: This specification is based on the knowledge of the performance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients that comply with Specification D7640.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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. See X1.5 and X3.1.3 for specific warning statements.
Note 2: This specification applies to automobiles and light duty service. A glycerin based specification for heavy duty engine service is under development.  
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-2021
• 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 D1384-05(2019) - Standard Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4340-19 - Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-May-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 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 D1177-16 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6660-01(2014)e1 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Transition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4725-13 - Standard Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013

Overview

ASTM D7714-11(2021) defines the requirements for glycerin base engine coolants designed for use in automobiles and other light-duty service cooling systems. Developed by ASTM International, this specification sets chemical and physical property standards for both coolant concentrates and prediluted glycerin formulations. The standard ensures engine coolants reliably protect against freezing, overheating, and corrosion, contributing to optimal engine performance and longevity.

Key highlights of ASTM D7714-11(2021) include:

• Establishing performance criteria for Type I (glycerin base concentrate) and Type II (glycerin predilute, 50-60% volume).
• Guidelines for acceptable levels of density, pH, chloride content, boiling and freezing points, and compatibility with non-metallic materials typically found in vehicle cooling systems.
• Requirements for correct water quality, labeling, and safe handling to maintain the effectiveness and safety of glycerin base coolants.

Key Topics

• Coolant Types:

  • Type I: Glycerin base concentrate, to be diluted with water (50-60% by volume).
  • Type II: Prediluted glycerin base coolant, ready for direct use with at least 50% glycerin by volume.

• Physical and Chemical Requirements:

  • Relative density, pH range, chloride and sulfate levels, water content, and ash content.
  • Freeze point of −27.0°C (−16.6°F) or lower and boiling points appropriate for engine protection.

• Corrosion and Material Compatibility:

  • Inhibitors must be present to minimize corrosion, scaling, and foaming.
  • No adverse effects on typical automotive non-metals, paint finishes, or aluminum components.

• Performance Testing:

  • References multiple ASTM test methods for density, pH, corrosion resistance, and foaming.
  • Coolant must perform reliably under simulated service and heat-rejecting conditions.

• Water Quality for Dilution:

  • Strong emphasis on using water low in minerals, chlorides, and sulfates to reduce scaling and corrosion risks.

• Labeling and Handling:

  • Specific labeling requirements for prediluted products, including clear cautions and proper handling recommendations.

Applications

Glycerin base engine coolants specified under ASTM D7714-11(2021) are intended for light-duty vehicle cooling systems, especially where a non-glycol solution is preferred or required. Practical use cases include:

• Automobiles and Light-Duty Vehicles: Protection against freezing, overheating, and corrosion under typical operating conditions.
• Service and Maintenance: Specified methods for checking freeze point using refractometers and maintaining the cooling system.
• Eco-conscious Fleets: Glycerin coolants may be considered for their lower toxicity compared to traditional ethylene glycol coolants.
• Retail and Aftermarket: Clear guidance for blending and direct use, ensuring manufacturers and distributors supply products that meet vehicle manufacturers' service requirements.

Adoption of ASTM D7714-11(2021) facilitates regulatory compliance, promotes safety and engine life, and simplifies coolant selection for vehicle owners and maintenance professionals.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards complement or are referenced by D7714-11(2021), including:

• ASTM D7640: Specification for engine coolant grade glycerin.
• ASTM D1122, D5931: Test methods for relative density.
• ASTM D1177, D6660: Test methods for freezing point.
• ASTM D1120: Test method for boiling point.
• ASTM D1384, D2570: Corrosion testing methods.
• ASTM D1881: Foaming tendency evaluation.
• ASTM D1287, D1293: Methods for pH determination.
• ASTM D4327, D5827: Anion content measurement by ion chromatography.

These referenced methods support the measurement and verification of coolant performance, safety, and compatibility in alignment with ASTM D7714-11(2021).

Keywords: ASTM D7714, glycerin base engine coolant, automotive coolant standard, light duty coolant, coolant concentrate, prediluted coolant, engine protection, corrosion inhibition, coolant performance, vehicle maintenance.

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: D7714 − 11 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-
Duty Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7714; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for glycerin
D512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
base engine coolants used in automobiles or other light duty
D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
service cooling systems. When concentrates are used at 50 %
D1119 Test Method for Percent Ash Content of Engine
to 60 % concentration by volume in water, or when prediluted
Coolants
glycerin base engine coolants (50 volume % minimum) are
D1120 Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine Coolants
used without further dilution, they will function effectively to
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Cool-
provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion.
ants and Antirusts
1.2 The coolants governed by this specification are catego-
D1122 Test Method for Relative Density of Engine Coolant
rized as follows:
Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
Coolant Type Description
D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
I Glycerin base concentrate
trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
II Glycerin predilute (50 to 60 volume %)
D1126 Test Method for Hardness in Water
NOTE 1—This specification is based on the knowledge of the perfor-
D1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine
mance of engine coolants prepared from new or virgin ingredients that
Coolants
comply with Specification D7640.
D1287 Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
D1384 Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine Coolants
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
in Glassware
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D1881 Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Coolants in Glassware
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D1882 Test Method for Effect of Cooling System Chemical
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Solutions on Organic Finishes for Automotive Vehicles
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing
See X1.5 and X3.1.3 for specific warning statements.
of Engine Coolants
D2809 Test Method for Cavitation Corrosion and Erosion-
NOTE 2—This specification applies to automobiles and light duty
Corrosion Characteristics of Aluminum Pumps With En-
service. A glycerin based specification for heavy duty engine service is
gine Coolants
under development.
D3321 Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Engine Coolants
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D3634 Test Method for Trace Chloride Ion in Engine Cool-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ants
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Suppressed Ion
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Chromatography
D4340 Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys
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, 2021. Published September 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D7714-11 (2016) . Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D7714-11R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7714 − 11 (2021)
TABLE 1 General Requirements
in Engine Coolants Under Heat-Rejecting Conditions
D4725 Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids Property Specified Values ASTM Test Method
D5827 Test Method for Analysis of Engine Coolant for Color Distinctive . . .
Effect on nonmetals No adverse effect Under consideration
Chloride and Other Anions by Ion Chromatography
D5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool-
4.3 Prediluted glycerin (Type II) base engine coolants shall
ants by Digital Density Meter
be formulated using water that meets the following require-
D6130 Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other
ments:
Elements in Engine Coolant by Inductively Coupled
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Chlorides, μg/g 25 (1.5) max D5827, D512, D4327
D6660 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene
(ppm, grains ⁄gal)
Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Tran-
Sulfate, μg/g 50 (3.0) max D5827, D516, D4327
sition Method
(ppm, grains ⁄gal)
Hardness, as CaCO , 20 (1.2) max D6130, D1126
D7640 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycerin 3
μg ⁄g (ppm, grains/gal)
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
pH 5.5 to 8.5 D1287, D1293
Determine Conformance with Specifications
Iron, μg/g (ppm, grains/gal) 1.0 (0.06) max D6130, E394
E394 Test Method for Iron in Trace Quantities Using the
NOTE 3—Prediluted coolants are intended for direct addition to an
1,10-Phenanthroline Method
engine cooling system with no further dilution. However, if circumstances
require addition and prediluted aqueous engine coolant is not available,
2.2 Other Standards:
use the appropriate engine coolant concentrate (Type I) diluted to 50
Federal Method 2540B Total Dissolved Solids Dried at
volume % with water of at least the quality outlined in Table X1.1.
103-105°C
4.4 When diluting engine coolant concentrates for actual
service, use municipal (treated) water, or low-mineral content
3. Terminology
well water (see Appendix X1, Table X1.1). If such water is not
3.1 Definitions: available, use deionized (demineralized) or distilled water. This
3.1.1 glycerin base engine coolant, n—engine coolant in procedure will minimize the formation of hard water scale and
avoid the introduction of mineral components, such as chlo-
which the freeze point depressant is 1,2,3 propanetriol, with
inhibitors to minimize foaming and corrosion. rides and sulfates, which can increase the corrosion rate of
aluminum and iron.
3.1.2 other glycols, n—in ethylene glycol base engine
4.5 When installed in accordance with the vehicle manufac-
coolant, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene
turer’s recommendations and those on the product label, engine
glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene
coolant concentrates or prediluted glycerin base engine cool-
glycol, and 1,3-propanediol.
ants shall be suitable for use in a properly maintained cooling
3.1.3 other glycols, n—in propylene glycol base engine
system (Appendix X1) in normal light-duty service for a
coolant, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
minimum of one year without adversely affecting fluid flow
tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol,
and heat transfer.
and 1,3-propanediol.
5. Detailed Requirements
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this specification,
5.1 Glycerin base coolant concentrates and prediluted cool-
refer to Terminology D4725.
ants shall be in accordance with the physical and chemical
requirements prescribed in Table 2 depending on coolant type
4. General Requirements
(see 1.2).
4.1 Engine coolant concentrates or prediluted glycerin base
5.2 The requirements listed in Table 2 for prediluted coolant
engine coolants shall be formulated with glycerin meeting
(Type II) are prescribed for the coolant as packaged, without
Specification D7640, water, and suitable corrosion inhibitors,
further dilution or adjustment.
dye, and a foam suppressor.
5.3 All coolant concentrates and prediluted coolants shall
4.2 All engine coolant concentrates or prediluted glycerin
conform to the performance requirements listed in Table 3.
base engine coolants shall be in accordance with the general
5.4 Coolant concentrates shall be diluted for performance
requirements given in Table 1.
testing as described in the individual ASTM test methods.
5.5 If necessary, the freezing point of prediluted coolants
shall be adjusted with deionized water before proceeding with
Standard Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, American
performance testing. The freezing point of prediluted glycerin
Public Health Association, et al, 800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001,
http://www.apha.org. base coolants (Type II) shall be −°27.0 °C (−°16.6 °F).
D7714 − 11 (2021)
TABLE 2 Physical and Chemical Requirements
Property Type I Type II ASTM Test Method
Relative density, 15.5/15.5 °C (60 ⁄60 °F) 1.249 to 1.265 1.130 min
Relative density, 25/25 °C (77 ⁄77 °F) 1.252 to 1.262 1.127 min D1122, D5931
A, B
Freezing Point, °C (°F):
50 % (vol) in DI water –27.0 (–16.6) max
D1177, D6660
Undiluted –27.0 (–16.6) max
C
Boiling point, °C (°F): D1120
50 % (vol) in DI water 106 (223) min
Undiluted 172 (342) min 106 (223) min
Ash content, mass % 5 max 2.5 max D1119
pH: D1287
50 vol % in DI water 7.5 to 11
Undiluted 7.5 to 11
D
Chloride, μg/g 25 max 25 max D3634, D5827
Water, mass % 5 max not applicable D1123
E E
Reserve alkalinity, mL report report D1121
F
Effect on automotive finish (use clear coat no effect no effect D1882
thermoset urethane or acrylic urethane finish)
A
For purposes of determining co
...