DEAS 1102 : 2022 
ICS 75.100 
 
© EAC 2022                                                                                                                          First Edition 2022 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Engine coolant — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 1102: 2022  
ii © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC stan dards development process is permitt ed without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC.  
Requests for permi ssion to reproduce this document for  the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community  2022 — All rights reserved  
East African Community   
P.O. Box 1096 , 
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: + 255 27 2 162100  
Fax: + 255 27 2162190  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted . 
 DEAS 1102: 2022  
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been neces sitated by the need fo r harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community wil l be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partn er States, together wi th the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, c onsumer groups, privat e sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization o f standards, in 
accord ance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that the y alway s have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible for this docu ment is Technical Committee EASC/TC 068, Petroleum and 
petroleum products.  
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of t he elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such pat ent rig hts. 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 1102: 2022  
 
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  1 
 Engine coolant — Specification  
1 Scope   
This Draft East Africa Standard specifies requirements, sampling and te st methods for glycol -type compounds 
which, when added at adequate concentrations to water in engine cooling systems, provide protection against 
overheating, rust and corrosion . 
2 Normative references   
The follo wing do cuments are referred to in the text in  such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced documen t (incl uding any amendments) applies.  
ASTM D92, Standard test method for flash and fire points by Cleveland open cup tester  
ASTM D 380, Standard test methods for rubber hose  
ASTM E 394, Standard test method for iron in trace quantities using the 1,10 -phena nthroline method  
ASTM D 412, Standard test m ethods for vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers — Tension  
ASTM D 471, Standard test method for rubber property — Effect of  liquids  
ASTM D 512, Standard test methods for chloride ion in wate r 
ASTM D 516, Standard test method for sulfate ion i n water 
ASTM  D1119, Standard test method for percent ash content of engine coolants and antirust  
ASTM D 1120, Standard test method by boiling point of engine coolants  
ASTM D 1121, Standard test method for reserve alk alinity of engine coolants and antirus t 
ASTM D 1122 , Standard test method for density or relative density of engine coolant concentrates and engine 
coolants by the hydrometer  
ASTM D 1123, Standard test methods for water in  engine coolant concentrate by the  Karl Fischer reagent 
method  
ASTM D 1126, Standa rd test method for hardness in water  
ASTM D 1176, Standard practice for sampling and preparing aqueous solutions of engine coolants or antirust 
for testing purposes  
ASTM D 1177, Standard test method for freezing point of aqueous engi ne coolants  
ASTM D 1287, Standa rd test method for pH of engine coolants and antirust   
2 © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 ASTM D 1293, Standard test methods for pH of water  
ASTM D 1384, Standard test method for corrosion test for engine coolants in glassware  
ASTM D 1881, Standard test me thod for foaming tendencies of engine c oolants 
ASTM D 2570, Standard test method for simulated se rvice corrosion testing of engine coolants  
ASTM D 2809 , Standard test method for cavitation corrosion and er osion -corrosion characteristics  of 
aluminum pumps with engine coolant s 
ASTM D 4057 , Standard practice for manual sampling of petroleum products  
ASTM  D4177 , Standard practice for automatic sampling of petroleum and petroleum products  
ASTM D 4327 , Standard test method for anions in water  by suppressed ion chromatography  
ASTM  D4340 , Standard test meth od for corrosion of cast aluminum alloys in engine c oolants under heat -
rejecting conditions  
ASTM D 5827 , Standard test method for analysis of engine coolant for  chloride and other anions by i on 
chromatography  
ASTM D 5931 , Standar d test method for density and  relative density of engine coolant concentrates a nd 
aqueous engine coolants by digital density meter  
ASTM D 6130 , Standard test method for determination of s ilicon and other elements in en gine coolant by 
inductively coupled pl asma -atomic emission spectrosc opy 
ASTM D 6660 , Standard test method for freezin g point of aqueous ethylene glycol base engine coolants by 
automatic phase transition method  
ASTM E 202, Standard test methods for analysis  of ethylene glycols and propylene gly cols 
IP 36 , Determination of ope n flash and fire point — Cleveland method EAS 9 14, Mild steel nails — 
Specification  
ASTM D5931 , Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of En gine Coolant Concentrates and 
Aqueous Engi ne Coolants by Digital Dens ity Meter ASTM D4057 , Standard Pra ctice for Manual Sampling of 
Petroleum and Pet roleum Products  
ASTM D4177 , Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the p urposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply . 
ISO an d IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1 
engine coo lant concent rate  
glycol -type formulat ed liquid product intended to be diluted with water for use in engine cooling system . This is 
also referred to as coolant concentrate.   
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  3 
 3.2 
engine coolant (also known as pre diluted coolant /ready to use coolant)  
liquid used for heat transfer from the e ngine  to the radiator, usually containing sp ecific amounts of glycol, 
water, c orrosion inhibitors and a f oam suppresso r. 
3.2.1  
antifreeze coolant  
engine coolant that pro vides a lowe r freezing point and mi tigates rusting,  corrosion and foaming  
3.2.2 
tropical coo lant/summer coolant  
engine coolant with out freeze protection that mitigates corrosion and foaming. Also known as a 
summer/tropical coolant  
3.3  
glycol  
includes mo no-ethylene glycol, mono -propylene glycol and other  glycols  
3.4  
organic inhi bitors  
formul ation based on organic acids which redu ces corrosion of the metals normally present in an engine 
cooling system  
3.5  
cavitation  
highly localized corrosion of meta l components  resulting potentially in small pits or  perforations (pitting)  
3.6  
batch  
mate rial from a single mix or, in the case of a continuous production process, material from a single day’s 
production  
4 Requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  The engine c oolant shall be formula ted from acceptabl e glycols (or a mixture of acce ptable gly cols), 
water, corrosion inhibitors, dye  and a foam suppressor.   
4.1.2 The engine coolant shall be a homogeneous liquid free from suspended matter and sediment  
4.1.3 The engine tropic al coolant shall be formulated to meet rust, corrosion, antif oam propertie s and no 
freeze protection.  
4.2 Specific requirement s  
4.2.1  Physical requirements  
4.2.1.1  The engine antifreeze coolant shall contain at least 33  % of the coolan t concentrate  when tested in 
accordance with  ASTM D1 122 or ASTM D5931  
4.2.1.2 The e ngine coo lant shall be formulated using de ionized  (demineralized) or distilled water or water with 
low mineral content. Th e wa ter used shall me et the requirements given in Table 1 when tested in accordance 
with the test metho ds prescribed therein.   
4 © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 Table 1 — Water r equirements for engine coolant  
S/N Prop erty Specific value  Test method  
i.  Chlorides, μg/g , max.  25 ASTM D 5827  
ASTM D512  
ASTM D 4327  
ii.  Sulphate , μg/g , max. 50. ASTM D 5827  
ASTM D 516  
ASTM D 4327  
iii.  Hardness, as CaCO 3, μg/g , max. 
 20 ASTM D 6130  
ASTM D 1126  
iv.  pH 
 5.5 – 8.5 ASTM D 1287  
ASTM D 1293  
v.  Iron, μg/g , max.  1.0 ASTM D  6130  
ASTM E 394  
NOTE 1   Use of water type listed in 4. 2.1.2 will minimize formation of hard water scale and avoid introduction of mineral 
components  such as chlorides an d sulphates  which can increase the  corrosion rate of aluminium  and iron.  
NOTE 2  Functio nal addi tives used for purposes other than depression of the freezing point may be included.  
 
4.2.2 Chemical  requirements  
4.2.2.1 The engine coolant c oncentrates, and the engine coolants shall co nform to the physical and chemical 
requirements prescribed i n Table 2 a nd Table 3 when tested in accordance with the test methods prescribed 
therein.  
4.2.2 .2 The requirements listed in Table 3 for engine coolants are prescribed for the coolant as packaged, 
without further dilution or adjustment , when tested in acco rdance with the t est methods prescribed therein .  
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  5 
 Table 2 — Physical and che mical requirements for concentrates  
S/N Property  Requirement  Test method  
i.  Relative dens ity, 15. 5/15.5  °C  1.030 – 1.160  ASTM D 1122  
ASTM D 5931  
ii.  Freezing p oint, a,b °C, 50 % vo l in DI water , max. -31.0  ASTM D 1177  
ASTM D 6660a 
iii.  Boiling point  °C, undiluted , min  150  ASTM D 1120  
iv.  Boiling point, a, c °C, 50 % vol in DI water , min . 104  ASTM D 1120  
v.  Ash content,  m/m,  mass , %, max. 5  ASTM D 1119  
vi.  pH, 50  %, vol in DI water  7.0 – 11 ASTM D 1287  
vii.  Water, mass , %, max.  5 ASTM D 1123  
viii.  Reserve alkalinity, ml  Report d ASTM D 1121  
a  For purposes of determining conformance with this specificatio n, an observed value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the 
last right -hand digit us ed in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Prac tice E29.  
b  Test Methods D1177 and D6660 work with glycol/glycerine mixture s. Field test devices based on refractive index and density are 
under  development.  
c  Some  precipitate may be observed at the end of the test. This should not be ca use for  reject ion.  
d  Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.  
DI  Distilled or Deionised water.   
 
Table 3a — Physical and chemic al requir ements for engine anti -freeze coolant  
S/N Property  Requirement  Test method  
i.  Relative density, 15 .5/15.5°C, min. 
 1.065  ASTM D1122  
ASTM D5931  
ii.  Freezing point, a,b °C, undilute d, 
max.  −36.4  ASTM D1177  
ASTM D6660  
iii.  Boiling point, a,c  °C undiluted , min. 104 ASTM D1120  
iv.  Ash cont ent, mass , %, max.  2.5 ASTM D1119  
v.  pH, undiluted  7.0 to 11  ASTM D1287  
vi.  Reserve alkalinity, ml  Report d ASTM D1121  
a For purposes of de termining conf ormance with this specification, an observed value shall 
be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last r ight-hand digit used in expressing the specification 
limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.  
b Test Methods D1177 and D6660 work  with gl ycol/glycerin mixtures. Field test devices 
based on refractive index and density are under devel opment.  
c  Some precipitate may be observed at the end of the test. This  should not be cause for 
rejection.  
d Value as agreed upon betw een the suppli er and t he customer.  
  
6 © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 Table 3b — Physical and chemical requirements for tropical coolant  
S/N Property  Requirement  Test method  
i.  Relative density, 15.5/15.5°C , min.  
 1.01 ASTM D1122  
ASTM D5931  
ii.  pH, undiluted  7.0 to 11  ASTM D1287  
iii.  Reserve alkalinity, m l  Repor t a ASTM D1121  
a  Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.   
 
4.2.2.3 All cool ant concen trates a nd engine coolants shall conform to the performance re quirements listed in 
Table 4 when tested in accordance with the test methods prescribe d therein.  
4.2.2.4  Coolant concentrates shall be diluted for performance testing as described in the individu al ASTM test 
methods.  
Table 4 — Performance requirements for  coolant concentrates and engine coo lants  
Property  Specific value  Test method  
1)  Corrosion in glassware   ASTM D 1384 (BS 
6580)  Test strip  Weight loss , mg/specimen  
Copper, max.  10 
Solder, max.  30 
Brass , max.  10 
Steel , max.  10 
Cast iron , max.  10 
Aluminium , max.  30 
2)  Simulated service test  ASTM D 2570  
 Test strip  Weight lo ss, mg/specimen  
Coppe r, max.   20 
Solder , max.   60 
Brass , max. 20 
Steel , max.  20 
Cast iron, max.   20 
Aluminium , max.  60 
3) Corrosion of cast aluminium  alloys at heat -
rejecting surfaces, mg/cm2/week , max.   1.0 ASTM D 4340  
4)  Foaming  ASTM D 1 881 
Volume, ml , max.   150 
Break time, s , max.   5 
5) Cavitati on-erosion rating for pitting,  cavitation, and 
erosion of the water pump , min. 8 ASTM D 2809  
NOTE  For engine coolan t concentrates, test solutions shall be prepared in accordance with the directions provide d in 
the individual ASTM test methods.  
  
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  7 
 4.2.2.5 Coolants already circulating in the market shall pass the in -service basic corrosion test prescribed in  
Table 5. 
Table 5 — In-service rust and corrosion test  
Sampling  • Random sample s of the brand to be  tested shall be collected from different point 
of sales in the market.  
• A test tube  measuring 150 mm in length and 16mm in di ameter shall be used in 
this te st.  
• 25 mm – 40 mm length mild steel nails will be used for thi s test.  
• The surface finish of the n ails will be uncoated (refer to nail standards EAS 914 ).  
Testing  • The test tube wi ll be filled up to ¾ level with the cool ant samp le.  
• Three mild steel n ails with no rust shall be put inside the tes t tube contain ing the 
coolant sample.  
• Another set  of the mild steel nails shall be placed in a test tube that is ¾ full of 
ordinary tap wat er. This will act as the control test.  
• The two test sets shall be plac ed securely on a flat surface and be left 
undisturbed for t he duration of the test.  
• Visual obs ervations shall be carried out on a weekly basis for one month.  
• At the end of the test th e nails will be removed from the two tes t tubes and 
visually examined f or any traces of rust.  
Requirements  • No ru st should be o bserved in the steel nails from week  1 to week 4.  
• If rust is formed anytime during of the test period then the coolant sample shall 
have failed this test.  
• The steel  nails i n the control set (pure  water) are expected to form rust 
throughout the test perio d.  
• The coolant colour shall not bre ak down throughout the test period.  
NOTE  This test is only to be applied during market su rveillance for coolants already in the  market.  It shall not be applie d during the 
importation of coolants and cool ants concentra tes.  
 
4.3 Other requirements  
4.3.1 Miscibility  
On dilution of the coolant concentrate, any precipitate formed shall be such as to have no detrimental effect on 
the coolan t circulation or on the  anti-corrosion properties of the coolant.  
NOTE Antifoaming  agents may be immiscible, and if pr esent, might be observed as either an oily film or as dispersed 
droplets.  
4.3.2 Colour  
4.3.2 .1 The coolant shall be coloured.  
4.3.2.2  The coolant dye shal l be st able and shall not break down throughout the shelf life of the coolant.   
8 © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 5 Packaging  
The condition of each container for the coolant shall be such as to have no de trimental effect o n the q uality of 
the product during normal transportation and  storage . Only containers of the same size filled with coolant from 
the same batch shall be packed toge ther in a carton.  
6 Labelling  
6.1 The following information shall be indelibly and legi bly labell ed on the contai ner of the coolant, or on a 
label affixed to the container:  
a) name and physical address of the manufacturer or supplie r; 
b) description of the product as “Tropical  coolant ” or “summer co olant ” or “antifreeze coolant ˮ;  
c) declaration of ready to use or concentrate;  
d) if concentrates , instruction s for us e;  
e) batch number/identification;  
f) net content ;  
g) date of manufacture ; 
h) date of expiry ; 
i) name of the product ;  
j) country of origin  and 
k) storage condition. 
7 Sampling  
Sampling of  engine coolant  shall be carried out in accordance w ith ASTM D4057  or ASTM D4177 . 
 
  
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved  9 
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Notes to users  
A.1 If the coolant contains a benzoate -nitrate type inhibitor, it should not be f illed into or stored in containers 
that have zinc galv anized fittings that might come into contact with the material. Such contact might cause 
interaction between the inhibitor and the zinc, with the resultant liberation of hydrogen gas and possible 
ruptur e of the container durin g storage.  
A.2 Whenever possi ble, the dilution of the co olant with water of excessive hardness should be avoided. 
Furthermore, the addition of other materials to a coolant might be detrimental to the stability and efficiency of 
the coolant. The indiscrimi nate mixing of different formu lations of engine cooling s ystem coolants (even if from 
the same manufacturer) should be avoided.  
A.3 Service life limitation is important. The engine cooling system coolant covered by this standard 
becomes a corrosive agent once anti -corrosive agents are depleted. It is recommende d that the in -vehicle 
usage of this coolant should not exceed a period of two years.  
 
  
10 © EAC  2022 – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography  
KS 2489:2021 : Petroleum and petroleum  products ― Engine coolant - Specifi cation.  
TZS 2079:2017 : Engine coolant  ― specification  
 
 DEAS 1102: 2022    
 
© EAC 2022 – All rights reserved