ACUSTRIP® CTS-3 Three-Way Antifreeze Specifications

2050-3 * 2005 * 2050-3K

Please read instructions and safety information prior to using product.
Introduction
The ACU2000 series of test strips provide exceptional quality and value in the measurement of
the freeze-point concentration and supplemental additives in your truck's coolant. The easy-to-administer test involves three steps: taking a coolant sample from your radiator,
dipping the test strip into the sample and comparing the color of the pads at the end of the strip to the chart. Results are immediate, so you can correct any problems right away.
Availability
Product
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Glycol
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Molybdate
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Nitrite
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Quantity
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| ACU2050-3 | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | 600 (12 btls of 50 ea) |
| ACU2005 | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | 100 strips |
| ACU2050-3K | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | 600 strips with kit |
| ACU2050-R | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | Display - 25 pkts of 4 |
| Ford Rotunda part number 328-00001 (Click for Order Form) |
| Retail Package | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | 4 individual strips |
| Retail Kit | 0 - 60% | 0 - 1000 ppm | 0 - 3200 ppm | 50 strips with kit |
The ACU2050-3K and Rotunda Kit are complete with vial and syringe.
Procedures for Non-Ford CTS-3
Test antifreeze coolant before maintenance is performed.
The test strips should be used by the date on the packaging. For best results:
- Start with clean, dry hands and utensils.
- Run test in a well lit area, natural light if possible.
- Collect coolant sample from the radiator or petcock. DO NOT collect from the coolant recovery or overflow system. Coolant must be between 50° F and 130° F when tested. Room temperature is preferred.
- Remove one strip from one packet. DO NOT touch the pads on the end of the strip. DISCARD STRIP IF NITRITE TEST PAD HAS TURNED BROWN.
- Dip strip in coolant sample for one second, remove, and shake strip briskly to remove excess liquid.
- 45 SECONDS after dipping strip compare and record results in the following order:
(1) Compare FREEZEPOINT (end pad) to the color chart (see the color card or chart to the right) and record the result.
(2) Next compare MOLYBDATE (middle pad) to the color chart and record result (be sure to use the bottom row on the chart if the result is white).
(3) Finally compare NITRITE test to the color chart and record result. NOTE: The color chart to the right is a reference - your computer monitor or printer
might not print colors accurately.
- All three readings must be completed NO LATER THAN 75 SECONDS after dipping strip.
- It is okay to estimate a value BETWEEN color blocks, but if uncertain about the color match, pick the LOWER numbered block (ex.: if nitrite color is not F, use column E).
- Determine where the MOLYBDATE level intersects the NITRITE level on the chart. The amount of SCA units per gallon in the cooling system is given where the MOLYBDATE row intersects the NITRITE column.
- For best results follow test times carefully. Use a stopwatch or clock with a sweep second hand. Comparing the test strips to the color chart too soon or too late may result in incorrect readings and improper treatment and could result in liner pitting and engine damage.
- All readings should be recorded on the truck maintenance record for future reference.
Please Note: Unlike the color chart on this web page, the chart printed on the card or bottle accompanying your test strips
contains a blank (white) space between some of the color samples. The blank (white) space is meant to depict an intermediate
blend of the two (upper and lower) corresponding color samples.
Treatment Instructions
(Not for ES Coolant)
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| Below 1.2 units per gallon: | Replace service filter and add 1 pint of DCA4 liquid per 4 gallons of coolant. |
| 1.2 to 3 units per gallon: | Continue to replace service coolant filter at each oil drain interval. |
| Above 3 units per gallon: | Do not replace service filter until SCA level falls below 3 units per gallon. Test at every subsequent oil drain interval. |
Procedures for Ford Rotunda #328-00001
Check the anticorrosion strength (nitrite level) and Freezepoint / Boil over
protection of the coolant using the Rotunda 3-Way HD Antifreeze Test Strip Kit P/N 328-00001, 1-800-ROTUNDA (768-8632) option 2, or equivalent.
Perform tests at the frequencies recommended in the chart below.
NOTE: Failure to perform the service procedure as indicated can result in inaccurate test results.
- Start with clean, dry hands and utensils.
- Collect coolant sample from the radiator or petcock. DO NOT collect from the coolant recovery or overflow system. Coolant must be between 50° F and 130° F when tested. Room temperature is preferred.
- Remove one strip from one packet. DO NOT touch the pads on the end of the strip. DISCARD STRIP IF NITRITE TEST PAD HAS TURNED BROWN.
- Dip strip in coolant sample for one second, remove, and shake strip briskly to remove excess liquid.
- 45 SECONDS after dipping strip compare and record results in the following order:
(1) Compare FREEZEPOINT (end pad) to the color chart (see the color card or chart to the right) and record the result.
(2) Compare NITRITE (end pad closest to handle) test to the color chart and record result.
(3) The middle pad is for MOLYBDATE which is not a performance measurement used in determining maintenance requirements for
these applications. NOTE: The color chart to the right is a reference - your computer monitor or printer
might not print colors accurately.
- It is okay to estimate a value BETWEEN color blocks, but if uncertain about the color match, pick the LOWER numbered block (ex.: if nitrite color is not F, use column E).
NOTE:
- Both readings must be completed NO LATER THAN 75 SECONDS after dipping strip.
- For best results follow test times carefully. Use a stopwatch or clock with a sweep second hand. Comparing the test strips to the
color chart too soon or too late may result in incorrect readings and improper treatment and could result in liner pitting and engine damage.
- White blocks on the Color Comparison chart, except for Row 0, depict results for pad color results that are in between (see note below).
- Molybdate reading is expected to be 0. If reading is greater than 0 a non Standard Coolant has been introduced.
Please Note: Unlike the color chart on this web page, the chart printed on the card or bottle accompanying your test strips
contains a blank (white) space between some of the color samples. The blank (white) space is meant to depict an intermediate
blend of the two (upper and lower) corresponding color samples.
What to do with coolant test results:
- If the nitrite level exceeds 800 Parts Per Million (PPM), no action is required, anticorrosion strength meets specification.
- If the nitrite level is between 300 PPM and 800 PPM, anticorrosion strength is low. Add 32 ounces of Motorcraft coolant additive VC-8.
- If the nitrite level is less than 300 PPM, anticorrosion strength is very low and cannot be restored - refer to step d below.
- Flush the cooling system with VC-9 and refill with 50/50 mix of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant and distilled water as
stated in the Workshop Manual procedure in section 303-03. A 50/50 mix of the Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant and distilled
water provides the proper cooling system protection for operating temperatures nitrite level to -34F.
- If Freezepoint is lower than 50%, adjust with full strength coolant and retest.
CAUTION: Do NOT add VC-8 when refilling the cooling system after a cooling system flush with VC-9. This may lead to
possible engine damage due to very high Nitrite level concentrations.
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SAFETY WARNING: REMOVAL OF RADIATOR CAP IS DANGEROUS
Radiators are under pressure. Hot coolant under pressure can cause severe burns.
Do not remove the radiator cap on a hot engine. Wait until the temperature is
below 50° Celsius (120° Fahrenheit) before removing the cap. Failure to wait may
result in personal injury from hot coolant spray or steam. Remove cap slowly to
relieve all pressure. |
Dispose of your used test strip with normal paper waste.
Dispose of your used antifreeze coolant in accordance with local regulations.
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