Glycol testing in tranny fluid

[jimxms]

Does anyone know of any places that can test for Glycol (antifreeze/coolant) in transmission fluid for a reasonable price?

I'm sure some of you will think its a bit of a weird question, but I'm willing to bet that plenty of us have had experiences with ATF contamination and such?

The other issue is I've only got a pipette full of the sample fluid so I'm hoping that's enough to conduct a test.

[Defcon5]

What is it in? Couldnt you just drain flush and replace it?

[blank]

Can you just buy an antifreeze tester (a few quid in Halfords) and use that?

[Deva Link]

Well, Mercedes dealers must be quite used to doing this, but no idea what they'd charge.

[TheEnd]

Drain and flush won't tell you if the autobox cooler is leaking, and the antifreeze tester is based on the density of water/coolant mix.

[Defcon5]

TheEnd said:

Drain and flush won't tell you if the autobox cooler is leaking,

Ahh I see, I was assuming he thought someone had misfilled it

[wolf1]

Don't know about testing for antifreeze in oil apart from it seperating due to the water content but I'd be inclined to do a pressure test on the cooling system to make sure the transmission oil cooler wasn't leaking.

[confused_buyer]

Most auto transmission specialists should be able to test for it or failing that a Mercedes dealer might.

However, IIRC, the car had recently had a flush so it might not show anyway.

The torque convertor issue is not that subtle and very well know - anyone who is familiar with it will be able to identify it instantly.

It does not manifest its self when pulling away - it is only when accelerating gently above about 30mph in a higher gear without pushing the accelerator enough to get the 'box to change down a gear it shows up.

[jimxms]

confused_buyer said:

Most auto transmission specialists should be able to test for it or failing that a Mercedes dealer might.

However, IIRC, the car had recently had a flush so it might not show anyway.

The torque convertor issue is not that subtle and very well know - anyone who is familiar with it will be able to identify it instantly.

It does not manifest its self when pulling away - it is only when accelerating gently above about 30mph in a higher gear without pushing the accelerator enough to get the 'box to change down a gear it shows up.

I'm convinced myself that the torque converter is shot because I have all the symptoms mentioned on the Mercedes TSB for the valdo radiator issue. As you say, the tranny fluid might not test positive for the coolant as it was flushed a few months back, but I want to get it tested privately anyway just in case the dealer I purchased my car from tries to scoot around the issue.

[NHK244V]

Ubless you were running 100% glycol there will be water in the box oil, leave it to sit and itt will seperate, if there water in there the cooler is fooked simples.
Oh and teh normal antofreeze tester will not work in oil teh densaty is too high for the oil compaired to water.