Coolant extender

[llotton]

I'm running Zrex G-05 coolant. What extender can I run to get a little more life out of the coolant before I change out the entire system again? I see a product from Detroit Diesel for their Power Cool Plus coolant to be used as an extender but stresses that it is only for their coolant which is ethylene glycol based just like the Zerex G-05 I'm running. Information on the Detroit product or any other extender product will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[jelag]

Over the past 20 years I've owned at least 15 Fords and Dodges, Freightlines, and Navstars... all were high mileage trucks and we sold them at 400-450 K miles... I only changed coolant ever 100K miles... regardless of time. . I always flushed with a tee first with water and than low pressure air... and would charge it back with coolant and distilled water... the tee's in the heater hose and we just open the radiator cap... . I than either get from Cat, Cummins a recharge chemical. . must be either a pint or maybe a qt... . and add that back once a year... we do that when we do a winter prep...

I've never had a problem with overheating... and have replaced water pumps on the Fords but so far in at least a million miles on the Cummins I've owned have I had to do a water pump... . One bypass hose that I can remember on a CAT 10 or 12 L. motor...

The additive should have a chemical to lubricate the water pump... an additive to add to the lubricity of water... so it takes the heat away... and any chemical needed to fortify the coolant... I've never followed any special brand... and assume that what Cat and Cummins sells is re-branded for them... I'm sure that someone will through rocks at what I do... . but I know that I've not had problems...

 

[Wingate]

Not sure I would worry too much about trying to extend the life of the coolant. You arent talking about a lot of money to simpley replace it.

 

[llotton]

Thanks guys, the only reason I was considering the "extender" is that I plan to change out the water pump and thermostat in about two years and am at 5 yrs. now on this coolant. Truck doesn't get driven that much (2003 with 57K on the clock) so perhaps no big deal I don't know>