Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Coolant

[blackram99]

I heard that if you don't change the coolant every so often the coolant will form deposits that will eat small holes in the cyinder walls, not sure if it is true or not but was going to change mine just to be safe..... Is there any particular brand to use???? What is the best??? I know I heard that the Ferd Power Jokes have to use a special blend with some kind of additive... ... Thanks for the input...

 

[Beast2B]

If there is a Cummins Service near you they have several blends of Fleetguard to choose from. Look in the owners manual for the required specs, go to any auto store and get what's on sale! **don't mix ethylene glycol with propylene glycol**

 

[rweis]

This is what I use. (excerpt from my truck log)



Radiator Fluid 24 Quarts Fleet Guard “ES Compleat” Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze

Change every 2 years (~50,000 mile intervals)

06/30/2004 34687

NEXT 85,000



dito on the do not mix types



Bob Weis

 

[BIG CAM III]

what your talking about happens to big rigs which motors are of a sleeved design. i think its called cavatation. its little explosions that happen outside the sleeve where the coolant flows.

the coolant filter is charged with a chemical that is released in to your coolant(i think its called dca)

its always a good idea to change coolant regularly,but our motors dont need the additive

 

[BIG CAM III]

what your talking about happens to big rigs which motors are of a sleeved design. i think its called cavatation. its little explosions that happen outside the sleeve where the coolant flows.

the coolant filter is charged with a chemical that is released in to your coolant(i think its called dca)to prevent it from happening.

its always a good idea to change coolant regularly,but our motors dont need the additive

 

[rkressg]

I just run the red stuff and change it every 50k miles. I mix it 50/50 with water.

-Rich

 

[CNeubauer]

We use the Fleetguard Complete premix anti-freeze in all our diesel engines, we get ours from a farm equipment dealer. Here is a picture of a sleeve with some cavitation, this sleeve is from an International DT-414 engine with about 7,200 hours on it. On this engine the sleeves are sealed by three o-rings at the bottom but the cavitation ate enough away that coolant was getting by the o-rings and into the crankcase. On the inside the sleeves were still like new with the factory honing markings still very clear and the rings were barely worn so if not for the cavitation (also found a broken ring) this engine should have gone several thousand more hours before being overhauled.



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[EKohl]

I just switched over to Shell Rotalla ELC premixed coolant. Designed for diesels with a 600,000 mile or 12,000 hour life cycle. Flushed system completely including block/heater core. Used about 5 gallons at $9 bucks a gallon at Farm & Fleet. Will be changing it maybe in 3-4 years just to be safe. BTW the radiator drain plug is stupid,twist & pull out. Should be just turn out.

 

[DLove]

Don't forget, if you don't use the premix, besure to mix with distilled water. This will keep all those minerals out of your cooling system. Personally I prefer the premix. It saves the time of buying gal of water then having to mix. Also be sure you also do the overflow tank. Just pull it right out and rinse. You'll be amazed at the gunk that comes out.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

BlackRam99



What you heard is true, however, us 5. 9 afficionados are immune to cavitation...



. . no sleeves.

 

[CFowler]

i was wondering, how do you guys flush your cooling systems out? i have in the past on my other veh. drained & used the garden hose flush method with the heater on hot. will this work? thanks carl