Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Coolant suggestions

[rokron]

Looking for some brand suggestions for coolant for my 97 2500 12v.

Thanks,

RH

 

[Missouri Mule]

I think any brand that meet the spec's requirements should be good.



Stay away from the pre-mix (coolant and water), not because it's bad but because distilled water is cheap compared to the price the coolant companies are charging you for a 50 % mix (usually 2 to 3 dollars more than the 100% coolant ).



Check out distilled water prices in your supermarkets and drug stores!

 

[GAmes]

I use Peak, which is normally the lowest priced coolant. It meets all specs. I do a flush and change every 250 to 300k.

 

[surfbeetle]

Its been said many times here on TDR to use Green, not orange/red coolant. Hope that helps you to narrow down what you are looking for. I would go with premixed. Also it may be good time to change the T-stat.

 

[KRStone]

There info on the tdbg available on this forum. Low silicate green for my 1996.

 

[hsmith]

Ethlyene glycol only. Mix your own to 50/50.

 

[surfbeetle]

I mentioned premix vs "mix your own" because all too often people are using tap water to mix it with rather than distilled. If you do mix your own, then make sure you distilled, not just filtered water or the "mineral added" stuff. I went to the store the other day and when I asked for distilled water, I was pointed to some filtered crap that was mineral added. Not gonna do that...

 

[goodguys75]

I mentioned premix vs "mix your own" because all too often people are using tap water to mix it with rather than distilled. If you do mix your own, then make sure you distilled, not just filtered water or the "mineral added" stuff. I went to the store the other day and when I asked for distilled water, I was pointed to some filtered crap that was mineral added. Not gonna do that...

just go to any store or a walmart in the water section they have distilled water... I always have a few gallons in the garage

 

[mwilson]

Wal Mart always has it.



Wife gets a couple gallons for me and the garage when she goes to town since I kept stealing her stash that she keeps for the clothes iron... ... ... ...





Mike.

 

[hsmith]

Distilled, good reminder.

 

[surfbeetle]

just go to any store or a walmart in the water section they have distilled water... I always have a few gallons in the garage

You guys haven't been to the Vons (Safeway) or the Walmart next to it that's in my neighborhood... there was no distilled and I think I mentioned that in my post, they were trying to get me to buy the other stuff. So just verify that you are in fact getting distilled water.

 

[goodguys75]

You guys haven't been to the Vons (Safeway) or the Walmart next to it that's in my neighborhood... there was no distilled and I think I mentioned that in my post, they were trying to get me to buy the other stuff. So just verify that you are in fact getting distilled water.

where do ya live... . getting it is as easy as buying a soda... ... . next to the water isle and clearly states on the jug distilled water.....

 

[surfbeetle]

So Cal... I've been buying distilled water for years for batteries, antifreeze etc. We have gotten far off from the "just make sure you are actually buying distilled. " I don't know why the stores a mile from me don't have it, I just have to go to a different one. Just make sure you use the right stuff or you'll be repairing damage to you cooling system eventually.



This last time when I was going to change the coolant, I didn't want to mess with the thermostat on my 12 valve so I had it done and they cleaned and flushed the radiator at the same time.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

No one has mentioned Evans Coolant...

 

[GAmes]

No one has mentioned Evans Coolant...

Probably because it requires very thorough removal of all water in the system, a higher temp thermostat (not sure where you would get one for a 5. 9, Cummins doesn't sell one) and several hundred thousand miles of driving to break even.

 

[ewcmr2]

I've switched all my cars to Dexcool. Completely flushed out all the old coolant and replaced with Dexcool. It was annoying to have green for Dodge/Toyota, orange for Chevy, and blue for BMW.

It's been years and I haven't had any coolant related problems.

 

[hsmith]

Now, I have to think about this Dexcool. Having many corrosion repairs on GM vehicles coming factory with it, not sure if I agree.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Probably because it requires very thorough removal of all water in the system, a higher temp thermostat (not sure where you would get one for a 5. 9, Cummins doesn't sell one) and several hundred thousand miles of driving to break even.

I got tired of cooling system pressure issues mainly heater core failures. No pressure coolant has cured this for the last 250k for me. Well worth the money.

On edit:
Cummins most certainly has different thermostats in different heat ranges, they will give you one by part number, but not by CPL especially if a motor is still under warranty. Secondly, I must have missed the memo about the higher t-stat.

 

[GAmes]

Secondly, I must have missed the memo about the higher t-stat.

What I know about it is what I have learned on the Sirius trucking channel. The payback is the better fuel economy achieved by running at a higher temp, which makes a diesel more efficient. The water based coolant will not work well at a constant 220 degrees, but the Evans coolant does.



How do you go about getting the different part numbers for different temp t-stats from Cummins for the 5. 9?



I'm still running the original heater core, so am curious why the Evans would be better.