ASTM D8085-17
(Specification)Standard Specification for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
Standard Specification for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for nonaqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other lightduty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols.
This specification covers general requirements (color, effect on nonmetals), physical and chemical requirements (relative density, dynamic viscosity, boiling point, thermal conductivity, flash point, ash content, pH, chloride, water, reserve alkalinity, effect on automotive finish [use clear coat thermoset urethane or acrylic urethane finish]), and performance requirements (corrosion in glassware, simulated service test, corrosion of cast aluminum alloys at heat-rejecting surfaces [mg/cm2/week], foaming).
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for non-aqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other light-duty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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. See X1.4 for a specific warning statement.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2016
- Technical Committee
- D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
- Drafting Committee
- D15.22 - Non-Aqueous Coolants
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Refers
ASTM D1121-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts - Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
Overview
ASTM D8085-17 is the standard specification for non-aqueous engine coolants intended for use in automobiles and other light-duty service cooling systems. Developed by ASTM International, this specification defines the requirements to ensure that non-aqueous (waterless) engine coolants provide effective protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any need for dilution prior to use.
This standard outlines performance and chemical requirements for coolants based primarily on new or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols. When installed according to vehicle manufacturer recommendations, coolants conforming to ASTM D8085-17 will support reliable engine operation for at least one year under normal light-duty service conditions.
Key Topics
- Composition Requirements
- Specifies non-aqueous coolants with less than 1.0% water content, typically using glycol, diol, triol, or their blends with appropriate additives.
- Requires inclusion of corrosion inhibitors, dyes, foam suppressors, and bitterants as needed.
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Outlines requirements for properties such as relative density, viscosity, boiling point, thermal conductivity, flash point, ash content, pH, chloride, and water content.
- Performance Criteria
- Specifies corrosion resistance in glassware and under simulated service, foaming tendencies, and minimal effect on automotive finishes.
- Requires passing a low-temperature viscosity test at -40 °C, demonstrating the coolant’s effectiveness in severe conditions.
- Color and Compatibility
- Coolant must have a distinctive color and show no adverse effects on nonmetallic system components.
- Labeling and Usage
- Mandates appropriate product labeling, including the statement “Do not add water,” and specific instructions for use and maintenance.
- System Maintenance Guidance
- Recommends detailed procedures for preparing cooling systems for non-aqueous coolant and regular service checks.
Applications
ASTM D8085-17 is critical for:
- Automobile Manufacturers: Ensuring coolant compatibility and performance in factory-filled or recommended aftermarket automotive cooling systems.
- Aftermarket Service Providers: Specifying and verifying the correct coolant type for vehicle maintenance and repair operations.
- Coolant Manufacturers: Guiding formulation, testing, and labeling of non-aqueous engine coolant products for automotive and light-duty service markets.
- Fleet Managers: Supporting maintenance practices that maximize engine protection, minimize corrosion, and reduce the risks of freezing and overheating.
- End Users: Ensuring proper installation and maintenance of waterless engine coolants for reliable vehicle operation.
By adhering to ASTM D8085-17, stakeholders ensure the use of high-performance, non-aqueous engine coolants that protect vital engine components and uphold OEM service intervals.
Related Standards
Several ASTM test methods and terminology standards are referenced within ASTM D8085-17 for assessing coolant properties and performance:
- ASTM D1120 - Boiling Point of Engine Coolants
- ASTM D1287 - pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
- ASTM D2983 - Low-Temperature Viscosity by Brookfield Viscometer
- ASTM D1882 - Effect of Cooling System Chemicals on Automotive Finishes
- ASTM D7896 - Thermal Conductivity of Engine Coolants
- ASTM D7840 - Foaming Tendencies of Non-Aqueous Coolants
- ASTM D7935/D7935M - Corrosion Test in Glassware
- ASTM D8034/D8034M - Simulated Service Corrosion Testing
- ASTM D4725 - Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
These standards complement ASTM D8085-17 by providing accepted testing technologies and shared terminology for engine coolant formulation and quality assurance.
Keywords: non-aqueous engine coolant, waterless engine coolant, ASTM D8085-17, automobile coolant, light-duty engine cooling, coolant specification, engine protection, anti-corrosion coolant, glycol-based coolant, maintenance standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D8085-17 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification establishes the requirements for nonaqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other lightduty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols. This specification covers general requirements (color, effect on nonmetals), physical and chemical requirements (relative density, dynamic viscosity, boiling point, thermal conductivity, flash point, ash content, pH, chloride, water, reserve alkalinity, effect on automotive finish [use clear coat thermoset urethane or acrylic urethane finish]), and performance requirements (corrosion in glassware, simulated service test, corrosion of cast aluminum alloys at heat-rejecting surfaces [mg/cm2/week], foaming). SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for non-aqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other light-duty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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. See X1.4 for a specific warning statement.
ABSTRACT This specification establishes the requirements for nonaqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other lightduty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols. This specification covers general requirements (color, effect on nonmetals), physical and chemical requirements (relative density, dynamic viscosity, boiling point, thermal conductivity, flash point, ash content, pH, chloride, water, reserve alkalinity, effect on automotive finish [use clear coat thermoset urethane or acrylic urethane finish]), and performance requirements (corrosion in glassware, simulated service test, corrosion of cast aluminum alloys at heat-rejecting surfaces [mg/cm2/week], foaming). SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for non-aqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other light-duty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that conform to the specification will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowledge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial grade diols. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 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. See X1.4 for a specific warning statement.
ASTM D8085-17 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 43.040.01 - Road vehicle systems in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D8085-17 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D2983-23, ASTM D93-20, ASTM D5931-20, ASTM D1287-11(2020), ASTM D1121-11(2020), ASTM D7896-19, ASTM D5931-13(2017), ASTM D8034/D8034M-17, ASTM D1122-16(2017)e1, ASTM D7840-12(2017), ASTM D2983-16, ASTM D8034/D8034M-16, ASTM D1122-16, ASTM D1120-16, ASTM D7935/D7935M-14. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D8085-17 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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:D8085 −17
Standard Specification for
Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-
Duty Service
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8085; 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 EngineCoolantConcentratesandEngineCoolantsByThe
Hydrometer
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for non-
D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
aqueous engine coolants used in automobiles or other light-
trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
duty service cooling systems. Non-aqueous coolants that con-
D1287 TestMethodforpHofEngineCoolantsandAntirusts
form to the specification will function effectively to provide
D1882 Test Method for Effect of Cooling System Chemical
protection against freezing, boiling, and corrosion without any
Solutions on Organic Finishes for Automotive Vehicles
further dilution. This specification is based upon the knowl-
D2983 Test Method for Low-Temperature Viscosity of Lu-
edge of the performance of non-aqueous engine coolants
bricants Measured by Brookfield Viscometer
prepared from new individual or mixtures of virgin industrial
D3634 Test Method for Trace Chloride Ion in Engine Cool-
grade diols.
ants
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D4725 Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D5827 Test Method for Analysis of Engine Coolant for
standard.
Chloride and Other Anions by Ion Chromatography
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ants by Digital Density Meter
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D7840 Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Non-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See X1.4 for a
Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware
specific warning statement.
D7896 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity, Thermal
Diffusivity andVolumetric Heat Capacity of Engine Cool-
2. Referenced Documents
ants and Related Fluids by Transient Hot Wire Liquid
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Thermal Conductivity Method
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
D7934/D7934M Test Method for Corrosion of Cast Alumi-
Closed Cup Tester
num Alloys in Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants Under
D1119 Test Method for Percent Ash Content of Engine
Heat-Rejecting Conditions
Coolants
D7935/D7935M Test Method for Corrosion Test for Non-
D1120 Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine Coolants
Aqueous Engine Coolants in Glassware
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Cool-
D8034/D8034M Test Method for Simulated Service Corro-
ants and Antirusts
sion Testing of Non-Aqueous Engine Coolants
D1122 Test Method for Density or Relative Density of
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine
3. Terminology
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D15.22 on Non-Aqueous Coolants.
3.1 Definitions:
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2017. Published January 2017. DOI: 10.1520/
D8085-17.
3.1.1 non-aqueous coolant, n—a glycol, diol, triol, or mix-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tures thereof, based heat transfer fluid containing less than
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1.0 % water when formulated and intended for final use
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. without dilution with water.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8085−17
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this specification, 4.3 When installed in accordance with the vehicle manufac-
refer to Terminology D4725. turer’s recommendations and those on the product label, non-
aqueous engine coolants shall be suitable for use in a properly
4. General Requirements
maintainedcoolingsystem(AppendixX1)innormallight-duty
service for a minimum of one year without adversely affecting
4.1 Engine coolant consisting of a glycol, diol, triol, or
mixtures thereof, and suitable corrosion inhibitors, dye, foam fluid flow and heat transfer.
suppressor, if needed, bitterant, and less than 1.0 % water.
5. Detailed Requirements
4.2 The engine coolant shall be in accordance with the
5.1 All non-aqueous engine coolants shall be in accordance
general requirements given in Table 1.
with the physical and chemical requirements prescribed in
Table 2.
TABLE 1 General Requirements
5.2 All non-aqueous engine coolants shall conform to the
Property Specified Values ASTM Test Method
performance requirements listed in Table 3.
Color Distinctive .
Effect on nonmetals No adverse effect Under consideration
TABLE 2 Physical and Chemical Requirements for Non-Aqueous Coolants
NOTE 1—Except as indicated in the Property column, any dilutions are part of the ASTM Test Methods indicated.
Property Limits ASTM Test Method
Relative density, 15.5/15.5 °C: 1.035 to 1.125 D1122, D5931
A
Dynamic viscosity at -40 °C, Pa·s: 2.0 max D2983
Boiling point, °C: 177 min D1120
Thermal Conductivity at 20 °C, W/m·K: 0.24 min D7896
Flash point, closed cup, °C: 115 min D93
Ash content, mass %: 5 max D1119
pH, 50 vol % in DI water: 7.5 to 11 D1287
B
Chloride, µ/g: 25 max D3634, D5827
Water, mass %: 1.0 max D1123
C
Reserve alkalinity, mL: report D1121
D
Effect on automotive finish (use clear coat no effect D1882
thermoset urethane or acrylic urethane finish):
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing
the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
In case of dispute, Test Method D3634 shall be the preferred test method.
C
Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
D
Currently, many vehicle manufacturers prepare test panels using the specific paint finishes employed on their actual products. Coolant suppliers and vehicle
manufacturers should agree on the exact test procedures and acceptance criteria on an individual basis.
A
TABLE 3 Performance Requirements for Non-Aqueous Coolants
Test Solution Concentration
Property Specific Values ASTM Test Method
vol % product
Corrosion in glassware D7935/D7935M 94
Weight loss, mg/specimen:
copper 10 max
s
...
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