Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Ethylene glycol versus propylene glycol

[BK]

A final summary for my calls and emails to Cummins...

In trying to get a final summation from Cummins I asked in an email and phone call:

-No nitrites better than a little?

-No silicates better than a little?

-Is ASTM D4985 (GM 6277M) (as listed by Prestone) better than or the same as ASTM4985(GM6038M specification) (as listed by Cummins).



Cummins replied over the phone that the D version of the spec is newer and better than and on target... and that no or none for both nitrites and silicates is much better than a little.

They sent a response in email to my request for them to confirm the summary...

they replied "You're on the right track Bob.   Thanks and have a good one, -- email address removed --"





I also asked Prestone what the difference was between heavy duty coolent Vs what they sell:

Prestone:

"If your vehicle requires use of a supplemental coolant additive (SCA), it is generally considered to be heavy duty. If

not, the standard automotive antifreeze is generally acceptable. "

Cummins says since we dont have we liners we dont need SCA.



DC calls for an EG (PG = NG) and thats as far as they go. . that's certainly missing a bunch of other import information.



Based on RedRams input - Texco, and the Prestone info, for those of use that can't get Fleetguard product, we have real choices we should be able to get in our local auto stores.



Redram, I tried to visit the link. . but it didnt work. I wanted to see if it listed the ASTM spec Cummins pointed too. It sounds as if it would with the list of manufactures signed up with it.



Bob

 

[John Berger]

Relative to Issue 35, the author is incorrect in stating that the short answer to DC's stand on the use of PG antifreeze is no. The TSB that is referenced (07-03-97) does not say not to use PG, just that it should not be mixed. Big difference between don't mix and don't use.



The reason that ethylene glycol tastes so good is because that's the same stuff that's used in ice cream toppings. I wonder if the environmentalist nutcakes have picked up on that, yet. If you don't believe me, look at the ingredients the next time you are in the frozen treats section of your favorite local grocery store.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Good thread, I must have missed it originally. Just saw another thread in the other section:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52644&highlight=coolant



To tell you the truth I am still very confused. I was going to put the ES Compleat in, which would probably be OK, but I find no mention of low or no nitrates, and it does have some silicates but does meet GM6038M. I have recently reread the article in issue 35, and I found no clear recommendation there either. Since the B engines are sleeveless, I am wondering if just using any old coolant would work? I agree with others in this thread, I have never had such a tough time trying to figure out coolant in my life. Everything else has always got either Prestone or Zerox and seemed to do fine.



I am at 50K and will be doing the coolant before winter, maybe I will figure it out by then.



Shelby