Antifreeze

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I did my 3yr. antifreeze change last week. This Texaco stuff looks great! It's recommended by Cat and Cummins and for all heavy duty diesels. It's not just low silicate, but silicate FREE! After 300k miles you can add the "Extender"(additives) and go another 300k. They recommend changing at 3 years if that comes first. They recommend at least -30 mixture to get the corrosion protection. I'm trying -20( for better thermal efficiency) and added a little Extender. Texaco had no problem with me doing that. They use nitrite and molybdate in their package which is what I treat closed loops with at work, with great success. I'm going to do some tests to see how much of each they use. I've been told NOT to use the GM orange stuff - it's terrible! This is called - Texaco Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze (#7997). The additive is - Texaco Extender (#7999). There is a 50/50 mixture (#7998) which uses DI water and the #7997. That's dandy, but when some water is left in the block, the freeze protection ends up low. I flushed 3 times with distilled water before putting the 7998 in and it was too diluted and had to go get the 7997(concentrate) to finish. About 5 quarts doesn't drain out. It wasn't in the lower block either because I took out the block heater and only siphoned out another pint or so. The heater core must be enormous or it stays in the head! BTW after 3 yrs. on the oem stuff, the water jacket looked perfect! Call 1-800-782-7852 to find dealers. I got mine at KW.

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!

 

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Good post. I used the Cummins 50/50 on my last truck but will probably go with Texaco when I change my 01 coolant. I had a problem getting all the old out before and that concerned me. Know what you mean about the volumn. Also, when I changed it out before, I didn't "burp" the engine properly so I ended up having to add coolant for a couple of days because it kept pulling out of the reservoir. Thought I had a leak somewhere but all turned out OK.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Running Boards, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights

 

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I would seriously check out this thread prior to switching the Texaco Extended Life antifreeze/coolant! #ad

www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000693.html

[This message has been edited by John (edited 09-17-2000). ]

 

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Thanks John, I don't remember that one! I'm going to do my own tests. I worry whenever I see nitrite. I've discussed nitrite for hot water closed loops with every water treatment salesperson I've met. If it's up to 680 ppm like they recommend it attacks organic parts(some seals and gaskets)and they won't believe me. When used in conjunction with molybdate both nitrite and molybdate levels can be reduced. Also, nitrite supports bacteria growth,but not in a system this hot. That's why, when I saw nitrite AND moly on the label I figured they finally caught on. I guess I better not put off the testing too long! Craig

 

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Does anybody know if Quaker state is OK? I bought it from a local diesel shop, so I "thought" it would be compatible?
I don't have a bottle anymore to read the ingredients, but I'm certain it was low or no silicate.
Please help. TIA

 

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I changed over to the texaco "orange" coolant last year- then read the string (above) and changed it back. With very many bottles of distilled water and repeat flushings both times. Lots of wasted $$

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P. Campbell 1998. 5 ISB 2500 auto green/driftwood

 

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John, you were right! Cummins said NO Texaco or any long life antifreeze. Gasket and seal problems after 80-100k miles. Craig

 

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Craig... just repeating what I had read.

 

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CSchomer... Texaco long life coolant and Cat ELC are one and the same. Cummins is not to excited about either. Might be because they sell their own antifreeze. I spoke with techs at CMEP about this and they felt the issue with seal problems is related to continouous high coolant temps. Something most Rams never see. I have ran the Cat ELC for about 80K now and will probably put it back in again. It is the Strawberry colored stuff. Very reasable priced at $6. 50 per gallon for 50/50.

The Cummins staff at CMEP felt that plain old antifreeze was more then adequate. The low silicate, extenders etc are overkill.

NO CAVIATION ISSUES with B engines (this would exlude engines that never had antifreeze changed).

jjw
ND

 

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I talked to Texaco today and they say the only problem ever was in the N14 and that they brought it to Cummins' attention. It's hard to know who to believe - Texaco or Cummins!It seems funny that Texaco would be watching for problems so closely for Cummins and I think Cummins is over reacting by banning Texaco LL antifreeze in everything. Texaco says the Cummins seal that was affected was a fluke occurence and Cummins admitted that the N14 seal was the only thing affected. Texaco wants to sell their product and Cummins wants to protect their's. One thing I agree with - long life antifreezes are relatively new and no one knows what the bugs will be. I tested the 50/50 Texaco tonight for nitrite and it was 1100 ppm - pretty high!There's a red flag!I've talked to two different tech people at Texaco and got two different stories. There's another red flag!I'm not going to run out and change my antifreeze tomorrow but I won't use it too long! Craig