Designation: D6210 − 10

Standard Specification for

Fully-Formulated Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Heavy-
Duty Engines1,2
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6210; 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* SCA is required to continue protection in certain heavy duty

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for fully- engine cooling systems, particularly those of the wet cylinder
formulated glycol base coolants for cooling systems of heavy- liner-in-block design. The SCA additions are defined by and
duty engines. When concentrates are used at 40 to 60 % glycol are the primary responsibility of the engine manufacturer or
concentration by volume in water of suitable quality, (see vehicle manufacturer. If they provide no instructions, follow
Appendix X1), or when prediluted glycol base engine coolants the SCA supplier’s instructions.
(50 volume % minimum) are used without further dilution, 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
they will function effectively during both winter and summer to standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
provide protection against corrosion, cavitation, freezing, and only.
boiling. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This specification is intended to cover the requirements safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
for engine coolants prepared from virgin or recycled ethylene responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or propylene glycol. priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
NOTE 1—Committee D15 has not substantially studied the impact of bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
using recycled glycols from sources such as:
• glycol bottoms 2. Referenced Documents
• polyester manufacturing waste
• aircraft and runway deicers 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
• medical waste D1126 Test Method for Hardness in Water
to prepare engine coolants. However, several serious cases of very poor D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
performance have been reported and substantiated in heavy duty fleets D3306 Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for
when recycled glycols from sources such as above have been used to Automobile and Light-Duty Service
prepare engine coolants. Efforts are underway to more clearly define
the purity requirements for glycols used to prepare engine coolants D4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Suppressed Ion
meeting this specification, whether from recycled engine coolants or Chromatography
other sources. D5828 Test Method for Compatibility of Supplemental
1.3 The coolants governed by this specification are catego- Coolant Additives (SCAs) and Engine Coolant Concen-
rized as follows: trates
Coolant Type Description D7583 Test Method for John Deere Coolant Cavitation Test
I-FF Ethylene glycol base concentrate
2.2 Other Standards:4
II-FF Propylene glycol base concentrate Federal Method 2540B Total Dissolved Solids Dried at
III-FF Ethylene glycol predilute (50 vol %) 103–105°C
IV-FF Propylene glycol predilute (50 vol %)
1.4 Coolant concentrates meeting this specification do not 3. General Requirements
require any addition of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) 3.1 Concentrated and prediluted coolants shall meet all of
until the first maintenance interval when a maintenance dose of the physical, chemical and performance requirements of Speci-
fication D3306., Tables 1, 2, and 3.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3
D15.07 on Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2010. Published January 2011. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6210 - 08. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6210-10. the ASTM website.
2 4
A research report is available from ASTM International Headquarters. Request Standard Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, American
RR:D15-1023. Public Health Association, et al, 1015 15th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20005

*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

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 D6210 − 10
3.2 The coolant concentrate mixed with water or the predi- 4.2 Lack of compatibility between the coolant and SCA
luted coolant, when maintained with maintenance doses of product’s chemistry may cause the solute to precipitate out of
SCA in accordance with the engine manufacturer’s solution, with potential adverse effects in the vehicle or engine
recommendations, and those on the product label, shall be cooling system. A test procedure for compatibility (Test
suitable for use in a properly maintained cooling system in Method D5828) has been developed and approved. The com-
normal service for a minimum of two years (see Appendix X1). patibility of SCA and coolant concentrate solutions meeting
this specification shall be determined using D5828 and the
4. Additional Requirements
results reported.
4.1 The coolant concentrate or prediluted coolant addition-
ally shall provide protection in operating engines against 4.3 Both the concentrated and prediluted coolants shall
cavitation corrosion (also termed liner pitting) and against contain less than 50 µg/g sulfate ion.
scaling of internal engine hot surfaces. Hot surfaces typically
are within the engine head, head spacer, upper cylinder liner, or 5. Keywords
liquid cooled exhaust manifold. ASTM has test methods under 5.1 cavitation; fully-formulated heavy-duty engine coolant;
development for both cavitation corrosion and hot surface supplemental coolant additive maintenance dose
scaling. Until these procedures are approved as ASTM
standards, the mandatory requirements of Annex A1 shall
apply.

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. REQUIREMENTS FOR FULLY FORMULATED HEAVY DUTY ENGINE COOLANT

A1.1 Laboratory data or in-service experience demonstrat- vehicle manufacturer, such testing may be conducted in “loose
ing a positive influence on reducing cavitation corrosion in an engines” or in engines fully integrated into an application, such
operating engine is required. See Table A1.1. as a vehicle, a power boat, or a stationary power source. One
A1.1.1 In-service qualification tests may consist of single- such test has been developed.5
or multiple-cylinder engine tests. At the option of the engine or A1.1.2 Coolants that have completed the Test Method
D7583 (laboratory test method to demonstrate coolant cavita-
TABLE A1.1 Cavitation Protection Options Meeting the tion performance) test with a maximum pit count of 200 are
Requirements of A1.1 regarded as passing the requirements of A1.1.
Utilize one of the Predilute Acceptance Criteria
Following or A1.1.3 Several chemical compositions have been tested
Concentrate extensively by producers and users and satisfactorily minimize
In-service test per agreement between cylinder liner cavitation in actual test engines. Coolants meet-
agreement engine manufacturer and
coolant supplier for test ing either of the following compositions are regarded as
criteria passing the requirements of A1.1:
Laboratory test per tested maximum 200 pit count A1.1.3.1 A minimum concentration of nitrite (as NO2−) of
(D7583) formula- measured per Test
tion Method D7583 1200 µg/g (ppm) in the 50 volume % predilute coolant, or
Chemical Composi- A1.1.3.2 A minimum combined concentration of nitrite (as
tion
NO2−) plus molybdate (as MoO4−2) in the 50 volume %
Nitrite formulation predilute nitrite (as NO2−) of 1200
µg/g (ppm) minimum predilute coolant of 780 µg/g (ppm). At least 300 µg/g (ppm)
Nitrite formulation concen- nitrite (as NO2−) of 2400 each of NO2− and MoO4−2 must be present.
trate µg/g (ppm) minimum
Combined nitrite predilute combined concentration of
A1.1.3.3 The above concentrations are doubled for coolant
and molybdate nitrite (as NO2−) plus mo- concentrates.
formulation lybdate as (MoO4–2) of
780 µg/g (ppm) minimum. A1.2 Both concentrated and prediluted coolants under this
At least 300 µg/g (ppm)
each of NO2− and MoO4–2
specification must contain additives to minimize hot surface
must be present scaling deposits. Certain additives (polyacrylate and other
Combined nitrite concen- combined concentration of types) minimize the deposition of calcium and magnesium
and molybdate trate nitrite (as NO2−) plus mo-
formulation lybdate (as MoO4–2) of
compounds on heat rejecting surfaces. No specific chemical
1560 µg/g (ppm) mini-
mum. At least 600 µg/g
5
(ppm) each of NO2−and “A Comparison of Engine Coolant in an Accelerated Heavy-Duty Engine
MoO4–2 must be present Cavitation Test,” SAE Technical Paper 960883, SAE International, 400 Common-
wealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096–0001.

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 D6210 − 10
requirements for hot surface scaling and deposits resistance
have been established at this time. A test procedure is under
development and will be incorporated into the specification
when a procedure is approved by ASTM.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COOLANT MAINTENANCE FOR HEAVY DUTY ENGINES

X1.1 Engine Coolant—Cooling system fill for a heavy duty TABLE X1.2 Freeze Protection
engine consists of water and fully formulated heavy duty Approximate Freeze Protection Temperature, °C (°F)
coolant concentrate or fully formulated prediluted heavy duty Glycol Content, % Coolant Type I-FF Coolant Type II-FF
40 –24 (–12) –21 (–6)
coolant. 50 –37 (–34) –32 (–26)
60 –52 (–62) –48 (–54)
X1.1.1 Water:
X1.1.1.1 Water quality affects the efficiency of coolant
additives. When untreated, all water is corrosive. Water having
a high mineral content or corrosive materials is unfit for
cooling system use. X1.1.4.2 Heavy-duty engine users experience has shown
X1.1.1.2 When preparing coolant mixtures, the water that coolants not meeting the criteria specified in A1.1 may not
should be of such quality that it does not contain excessive provide long term protection against cavitation corrosion (liner
solids, hardness salts, sulfates, or chlorides. In the absence of pitting). User experience and published information shows the
specific recommendations from the engine or vehicle presence of nitrite in an SCA or fully-formulated heavy-duty
manufacture, see Table X1.1. Contact your local water coolant is particularly effective in providing maximum protec-
department, the responsible government agency, or submit a tion.
water sample for analysis if there is a question on water quality. X1.1.4.3 New technology consisting of other chemistries
may provide satisfactory protection. Such chemistries can be
X1.1.2 Coolant Concentrates: established by agreement between producers and users upon
X1.1.2.1 The coolant concentration should be maintained demonstration of performance utilizing Test Method D7583.
between 40 and 60 % glycol by volume, depending on the Optionally, such demonstrations can consist of comparative
engine operating environment. Freeze protection will be pro- damage rating from testing in operating engines. One or both
vided in accordance with Table X1.2. of these options may be applied as determined in a specific
X1.1.3 Prediluted Engine Coolants: agreement between parties.
X1.1.3.1 Prediluted glycol base engine coolants (50 volume
% minimum) should be used without further dilution. If X1.2 Coolant Maintenance Recommendations:
additional freeze protection is required, coolant concentrate X1.2.1 If any of the following recommendations differ,
may be added to the prediluted engine coolant to increase the follow the engine or vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
total glycol content in the cooling system (see Table X1.2) X1.2.2 Use the coolant concentration recommended in this
X1.1.4 Supplemental Coolant Additive: specification.
X1.1.4.1 SCAs extend the life of the coolant by replenishing X1.2.3 Drain and flush the cooling system as recommended
the additives that deplete during normal operation. SCAs, by the engine or vehicle manufacturer.
however, do not extend the freeze protection provided by the
coolant concentrate. X1.2.4 Use water that meets the requirement in Table X1.1.
X1.2.5 Use accurate, reliable equipment, such as a
refractometer, to measure coolant concentrate levels for freeze
TABLE X1.1 Suggested Water Quality LimitsA protections.
Property Specific Values Test Method
Total solids, µg/g (ppm (grains/ 340 (20) max Fed Method 2540BB X1.2.6 Use the SCA manufacturer’s recommended test kit
gal)) when testing the coolant for proper additive concentration. Test
Total hardness, µg/g (ppm 170 (10) max D1126
(grains/gal))
kits shall indicate the degree of liner pitting protection present
Chloride (Cl), µg/g (ppm (grains/ 40 (2.4) max D4327 in the coolant.
gal))
Sulfate (SO4), µg/g (ppm (grains/ 100 (5.9) max D4327 X1.2.7 Check freezing point at two different levels when
gal)) coolant concentrate and water is premixed and stored in bulk or
pH 5.5 to 9.0 D1293 drums to be sure mixing is complete before use.
A
Adopted from a survey by the D15 Water Quality Task Force.
B
Federal Method 2540B, “Total Dissolved Solids Dried at 103–105°C.”4 X1.2.8 Use coolant mixed at the desired proportions for
make-up.

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 D6210 − 10
X1.2.9 Use SCAs at the recommended maintenance dosage concentrate. Over-concentration can result in plugged
and intervals to control deposits, corrosion, water pump radiators, heater cores, and charge air coolers and can also
damage, and liner pitting. cause water pump seal leaks.
X1.2.10 Periodically check bulk premixed coolant storage X1.2.15 DO NOT reuse coolant that has been drained from
tanks for separation of chemicals and contamination. a vehicle.
X1.2.11 DO NOT add undiluted coolant concentrate as
make-up coolant for coolant Types I-FF and II-FF. X1.2.16 DO NOT precharge the cooling system with SCA
when using fully-formulated heavy-duty engine coolant.
X1.2.12 DO NOT add plain water as make-up coolant.
X1.2.17 DO NOT use soluble oil additives.
X1.2.13 DO NOT exceed 60 % coolant concentrate in Type
I-FF and Type II-FF coolants. A coolant concentrate level X1.2.18 DO NOT use methyl alcohol or methoxypropanol
greater than 68 % actually reduces freeze protection in ethyl- base coolant concentrates.
ene glycol base coolants. The maximum recommended coolant
concentrate level is 60 % which provides the freeze protection X1.2.19 DO NOT use anti-leak additives if engine cooling
shown in X1.1.2. system is equipped with a coolant filter, as this may plug the
filter element. For all other cooling systems, follow the
X1.2.14 DO NOT exceed the manufacturer’s recommended
recommendations of the engine or vehicle manufacturer.
dosage of SCA or the recommended concentration of coolant

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D15 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D6210–08)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) The newly adopted ASTM Test Method D7583 was added (5) Table A1.1 was added to clarify options available to
to the list of referenced documents. demonstrate compliance with A1.1.
(2) The word “Chemical” was removed from the title of Annex (6) Sections in the annex were renumbered.
A1. (7) Language was clarified in X1.1.4.2 and X1.1.4.3 providing
(3) New Section A1.1.2 was added to provide the option to the option to demonstrate acceptable cavitation protection
utilize results from Test Method D7583 to demonstrate accept- specified in Annex A1.
able cavitation protection and subsequent sections were renum- (8) Language was added in X1.1.4.3 providing the option to
bered. demonstrate acceptable cavitation protection through Test
(4) Section A1.3: Language regarding replacement of the Method D7583 specified in A1.1.2.
chemical composition being removed when a test method
becomes available was deleted.

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