Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) I need to change my antifreeze, what brand and additives do I need

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Should I use the stuff from Cummins?



Gary

 

[24V-DSL]

Fleetguard Complete 50/50 mix. You'll need ~6 gallons for complete changeout.



edit... . no additives needed

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Thank you. I take it i don't need corrosion inhibitor.





Gary

 

[jjohn]

Hey Bullet

I used the Fleetguard Restore to flush the system, you run it with water for about an hour and flush with water two more times.



Then I used the Fleetguard ES Compleat 50/50 pre mix as 24v did.





One of the back issues has a great article on the whole process. I will see if I can dig what months/year it is.

JJ

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Thank you I would appreciate that.





Gary

 

[jjohn]

Issue 35 page 76 (FEB,MAR,APR 2002)

also do a search on "coolant change" or "cooling system", "Compleat"

 

[RobertMiller1]

full price for water

guys,



Please don't pay full price for 50% water.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

We bought some EG Compleat concentrate a work a few weeks ago and that stuff was over $16 a gallon and we needed 13 gallons for the K-19. From what I understand the 50/50 mix is like $7-8 a gallon. I changed over last fall to the Zerex G-05 which is the same stuff that's in the new trucks it's just a different color. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the fleetgard products, they are top shelf but they just want too much for the coolant, maybe try the local Caterpillar dealer for their ELC. Me, I think I'll stick with the G-05 for $8 gallon in concentrate, only need three of them then. Don't get me wrong I'm not a complete cheapskate, I'm just not going to pay twice as much for something that has no more proven benefits than what I have. Just my 2 cents

 

[24V-DSL]

I paid less than $6 gal. for the Fleetguard ES Compleat pre-mix. Source was a big rig repair shop.

 

[Loren]

Gary,



Keeping up with the change schedule for whatever type and brand of coolant you use is more important that which one you put in your truck.



In spite of the above, it should be ethylene glycol type, as specified in the owners and service manuals.



There are extended life coolants available that don't require changing as frequently as standard coolants. Another advantage to this type is that at the first "change" interval, you merely add a bottle (or less) of extender and keep on driving. The extender replenishes the corrosion inhibiters in the coolant, but you can only do it once per fill. At the next change interval, you must actually change the coolant.



I think that Cummins is now selling an extended life coolant. If you can't find some there, check your local Caterpillar dealer. That's where I got mine. I bought it there because the Cat dealer was the only place where they stocked the extender.



I bought the pre-mixed coolant. I did the math and found that it was cheaper than buying the concentrate and adding a gallon of distilled water.



Good luck.

 

[RobertMiller1]

handboodk

Plain ole Ethylene Glycol Zerex HD (ole yeller) $5 a gallon. 3 gallons, and zerex lubricant/corrosion inhibitor



All new hoses



So why is a new thermostat $38 at autozone(twilight zone) and not in stock. There are a bunch of these trucks around. had to order upper and lower radiator hoses too. At least they were goodyear when they showed up.

 

[DJW]

Of Premix Antifreeze, grocery store Distilled Water . 58 cents per gallon, Vs. $8. 00 if contained in Premix, as the nice man said, "Do the Math. " Always mix Antifreeze liquid and Distilled water before pouring into Radiator. Years ago, when one periodically added Distilled water into auto batteries, I've seen Dutiful Pump Jockeys fill up the Battery Replenishment Water Container from the Station Water supply Faucet, (Mineral Rich?") Scrum Down.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Ok guys thanx for all the input.





Gary