Anti freeze additive?

[CoastyAV8R]

I just finished surfing the Ford diesel site and noticed alot of posts about having to add an anti-cavitation additive to their anti freeze. There were rumblings about "All diesels need this" but after owning a 91 Dodge and putting 120,000 trouble free miles on it and now having 7,000 miles on my 2001 Dodge, I don't recall having ever seen a post about this on TDR. Does anyone add anything to their anti freeze for cavitation problems or for any other reason? Is this just a Navistar problem? My curiousity is now piqued?

Thanks in advance,
Pat
2001 QC 4x4 ETH

 

[KatDiesel]

<font color=blue>The Cummins engine does not have cavitation problems that you read about, therefore no "anti-cavitation" additive is needed.

 

[illflem]

Pat,there have been some posts on it, cavitation is a problem on PSDs,but to a lesser extent on a CTD,you still need to change anti-freeze to keep anti-cavitation properties intact,but will come nowhere near to the amount of damage that will happen to a PSD without them.

 

[madams]

SCA test strips, regular attention to antifreeze condition, additives . . I have enough to deal with on the weekend without adding to my maintenance chores. Thankfully we CTD owners don't have to deal with this issue. The glow-plug and cold temp issue is another I'm happy we don't have to deal with.

In theory, from what I've read on the topic . . most diesels are susceptable . . its a condition where small bubbles accumulate on the walls of the coolant system. Where these bubbles stay is where the problem lie, corrosion. The additive prevents the bubbles from adhering, thus the need for attention. PSD's seem to be more susceptable than others in our class truck. The sleeved engines in the bigger class vehicles are also a problem.

There are no guarantees that we're risk free . . But I can't find one post here even hinting we have a problem or potential problem. Other than keeping the level correct . . and keeping to the suggested coolant change interval . . is all that is needed to keep our coolant systems in top shape.

There's a alot of good posts on this topic . . all simple suggestions on change tips.

Michael

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00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups . . SunnyBrook 33FKS Travel Trailer

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[This message has been edited by madams (edited 03-02-2001). ]