Monitor SCA, Inhibitor Levels for
Metal Protection, Fluid Stabilization

Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) and inhibitor formulations protect cooling system components, minimize the chemical reactions that occur due to heat, control scale formation, prevent foaming and maintain pH. SCA and inhibitors are very concentrated packages that not only contain many of the same inhibitors found in antifreeze but also some that are much more sophisticated, such as:

• pH Buffers

• Dispersing Agents

  • water only coolant at 180°F can hold up to 15 ppm calcium hardness in a dissolved state

  • Water and 50% antifreeze can hold up to about 70 ppm total hardness in a dissolved state

  • Water, 50% antifreeze and proper levels of supplemental coolant inhibitors can hold up to about 200 ppm total hardness in a dissolved state

• Dissolved Gas Scavengers and Neutralizers

• Filming Agents

  • Prime Protection for Metal Pitting or Deposit

Ideally, nitrite-based formulas should contain between 1000 and 3200 ppm nitrite for adequate metal protection. Nitrite levels above 3400 ppm can cause precipitation that can plug the system.

A nitrite/molybdate formula should contain a combination of the two equal to no less than 780 ppm with nitrite at no lower that 350 ppm. This includes Extended Life formulations as well. Nitrite/molybdate combinations exceeding 3400 ppm can cause precipitation that can plug the system.

Always check your engine manufacturer’s specifications before using any coolant formulation. Never use a water only coolant or a water and glycol only coolant as neither has the additives necessary for adequate engine metal protection.