Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) DCA(coolant), Lift pump ect

[ScottK]

Hi all, I posted on 911 a few days ago with brake problems, dealer found front right hub assembly bad. I had noticed this when changing pads, also noticed a "flat spot" on rotor, looks like it fell off jack/stand and landed on rotor some time ago (not fresh marks)

Anyway,

1 - Should we run any DCA (Diesel Coolant Additive) in our trucks as Ford does?

2 - How often do you change/flush your coolant system?

3 - I am a victim of two lift pumps and one VP44, the last LP was last month. I plan to add a low pressure "pusher pump" @ 10lb before LP and possibly a bypass pump around orginal pump with a Holley pump and regulator set @ 12-14 lbs. I have one on my '67 Dart drag car. I would use the bypass pump to "get me home", or better yet, use all the time. I hear thar more than 4-6 lbs at cranking is bad for a VP44, thats why the pumps cycles on/off.

Any thoughts on this.

I have a Y2K, 4X4, auto w/ 89K miles. I hopr my sig appears with this post.

TX, Scott

 

[TomGolden]

Welcome to the TDR



Most people are of the opinion that as the Cummins is a sleeveless block, it does not have the potential to suffer from coolant cavitation as the Ford diesels do, and therefore, you don't need to use anything extra in your coolant. My personal feeling - if you have some DCA additive sitting on a shelf that is fresh, might as well use it, ta paid for it I do not believe it will do any harm, just may not add any benefits for our engines.



I personally have been changing my coolant at ~26K mile intervals. I use Fleetguard Compleat, which is a 50/50 pre-mix so I don't have to add a thing or worry about the quality of the water I am mixing in with my coolant. Not to mention worrying if it is really intended for diesels, aluminum radiators, etc. .



I also change my thermostat each time I change coolant.



I lost my original lift pump at 45K miles, bought a new one from Cummins West, and added a 7 PSI Carter pusher pump the next week. I think my second lift pump is going out, as my pressure is now only 15 - 16 PSI, even with the pusher. Oh well... .



Tom