Cavitation Corrosion Bench Test for Engine Coolants

Early in 1987, members of the EMA (Engine Manufacturers Association) formed a Coolant Subcommittee to determine if there was a need for coolant product specifications and recommended coolant maintenance practices. There was quick, unanimous agreement that both were needed to enable the industry to improve cooling system durability and to reduce the incidence of cooling system problems related to engine coolants and their maintenance. Although there are a few commercial antifreezes for heavy duty engines that do not require an initial charge of SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive), there is no industry-wide specification for such a product. One test needed as part of such a specification is a cavitation corrosion bench test that correlates well with engine tests. This paper documents some work being done to develop such a bench test. The bench test results for various coolants are compared to 200 hour engine dynometer test results for the same coolants.