Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Anitfreeze

[Truckie]

I want to change the anti freeze in my engine and was wording is is best to use the Fleet Charge with low silicate or is it better to use the stuff from Caterpillar that is pre mixed and no silicate. But that also brings another question to mind I have herd that we should not use the orange antifreeze in these engines, is that true. What should I use.

Thanks

Mike.

 

[jwilliams3]

The "orange" Dexcool anti freeze for use in these engines is fine.

I have ran it for over 40k miles with no problems.



--Justin

 

[socal_rattler]

A popular pre-mix coolant for the CTD is Fleetguard ES Complet EG..... get it at your local Cummins shop.



http://www.fleetguard.com/fleet/pdfs/product_lit/fleetguard_brochures/LT15548.pdf



Also check out these instructions for changing out the coolant:



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/cooling-sys/antifreeze.htm

 

[Loren]

The antifreeze discussions will eventually become like the synthetic vs. petroleum oil discussions. Everyone has his own opinion.



I agree that DexCool orange coolant is fine for these trucks.



I went with the Caterpillar for a few reasons:

1. No silicates. Silicates cause the goo in the system.

2. Extended life. This was the main reason for switching to the Caterpillar Extended Life.

3. The extender was available for the Caterpillar product. I was not able to find extender by the quart for any other antifreeze.



After the first fill with extended life coolant, the extender is added at the next change point rather than actually changing the coolant. You avoid the pain of actually changing coolant one time. The next time the coolant is due for a change, you have to change it and flush the system.



I think that the best choice for antifreeze is an extended life product from any of the major manufacturers. They are organic acid technology, like the DexCool, but don't necessarily meet the GM DexCool specification.



Any good quality antifreeze will be fine as long as you change it as required for that type. The extended life products will last longer between changes.



Loren