Correct Coolant?

[Dr.Kayak]

I need to add coolant. Any special needs for a diesel? The owners manual only states: “. . a 50% concentration of ethylene glycol and water. ” While I read in a tech sheet on Fritz’s site “Always use heavy duty coolant with low dissolved solids (low silicate and phosphate) DO NOT USE automotive coolant. ”



The owners manual recommendation sounds like automotive coolant to me.



Thanks,



Chuck Mackey

 

[Royal]

Shell Rotella makes a pre mixed coolant that meets all major diesel manufactures specs. Pep Boys auto sells it for $7. ++ a gallon.

 

[rjrkihap]

I switched to Fleetguard ES Polyglycol (the blue stuff) at my 2 year change-over. I don't know if its any better than anything else. Cummins recommends it, but of course they would. It's spendy (about $10. 00 per gallon).

 

[John Berger]

I'm using the Fleetguard pre-mix. 50/50 Propylene glycol and distilled water.

 

[hammong]

As long as the coolant/antifreeze is phosphate-free, you should be fine. Phosphates have a tendency to corrode aluminum radiators, and consequently would be very bad for your cooling system.



I use Prestone in the jellow jug, then mix it down to 50/50. Change it every 2 years.



Greg

 

[Dieselnerd]

NAPA used to make a Heavy Duty antifreeze that I learned about in the TDR back in 1996. It was formulated to meet Cummins 90T8-4 specifications. When I tried to purchase it recently I was told they no longer make it. It's been replaced by their regular antifreeze that is formulated for ALL metals. It also is labeled to meet Cummins 90T8-4 specifications. It is under $4. 00 a gallon and I just used it recently to replace my coolant. It does say that for heavy duty diesel applications a supplemental additive may be required (ASTM D4985 anti-cavitation) but as we all know this does not apply to our motors in the Dodge. So this is another good alternative for those looking for a coolant that is formulated for a diesel.