What kind of coolant to add?

[BNSF # 1]

I was checking fluid levels under the hood today and noticed that the coolant reservoir level is at the ADD mark. The owners manual says to use an ethylene glycol based coolant. The first thing that comes to my mind is Prestone, a coolant that I have used in my MBZ 300SD Turbodiesel with no problems.

I know that diesels can have problems with cavitation. I guess the question is this. Are you guys using any special type of coolant made specifically for a diesel? Lastly, are you adding regular tap water or distilled water?

Thanks

------------------
CJ in RSM, CA
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab, 6spd,ETH,4x2,4. 10 Limited Slip, Trailer tow hitch, long bed

 

[Alan Reagan]

First, use distilled water. Tap water has too many unknowns. Second, if you go back to the dealer you will get an ethylene glycol based antifreeze such as Texaco, Prestone, etc. Problem is that the dealer charges 28 bucks a gallon. Cavitation is not a problem with the Cummins so just pick up a good EG based anti-freeze and add it. Or better yet, if you are down just a little, just add the water and wait until you change out the fluid during maintenance. It's already a 50/50 mix so if you add a quart, there's already six gallons in the system and you won't dilute it that much.

------------------
2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[RobbyRam]

Speaking of coolant, my truck's fluid is ready for the change out. Any tips out there on the best way to do it?
I have one of those Prestone flush kits that splice into the heater hose and hook up to a garden hose to back-flush. Is that OK?

------------------
Bob in Sacramento, Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, Slightly BOMBED LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[Fireman Dave]

Robby,
Steve St. Laurent has an excellent thread about changing the coolant somewhere on TDR. Do a search, and you should find it.
Dave

------------------
2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[CCahill]

Curiouser and Curiouser..... I wonder how the Dex-cool would work in our trucks ? The General claims 100K, without change out... I would never go that long, but it supposed to be a good product.....

------------------
2001 Quad,4x4,4. 10LS,LB,Loaded,no leather... . 65 Chevelle sedan, Hella nice driver, 53 Nash Rambler Convt,1 of 653 built,[not a Metro], GM drivetrain, injection, and auto/d
Specialized FSR Stumpjumper PRo
Cannondale F2000, Loaded
MTD Lawn tractor with flames

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here's the thread that Dave mentioned - https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum4/HTML/000229.html

-Steve

 

[TomGolden]

BNSF, Man, am I glad to hear my 2001 isn't the only truck doing that "mysterious coolant disappearing" trick. I posted this same question a few days back. I have just 9100 miles now, and I first noticed my coolant sitting on ADD about 1000 miles ago, I added a quart or so of distilled water, then a couple weeks later it was back to ADD. I personally amd going to stop by the Cummins West store in Sacramento this weekend and pick up some Fleetguard coolant and DCA4 additive.

Tom


------------------
Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, K&N RE-0880 & pre-filter, no silencer ring, TDR decal, Jack holiday antenna ball
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order
NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[BNSF # 1]

Don't anyone out there laugh, but where do you get distilled water? I have never considered using it in my old 300SD and I change the coolant every year in that old beast. I am surprised that my Cummins with 8200 miles is low on coolant, especially being as how it's "winter" here in SoCal. I will use Prestone Coolant and distilled water on the refill of the coolant reservoir.


------------------
CJ in RSM, CA
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad Cab, 6spd,ETH,4x2,4. 10 Limited Slip, Trailer tow hitch, long bed

 

[TomGolden]

I personally get mine at the local grocery store, $1 a gallon. The distilled water, that is #ad


Tom

------------------
Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, K&N RE-0880 & pre-filter, no silencer ring, TDR decal, Jack holiday antenna ball
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order
NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

[This message has been edited by TomGolden (edited 02-09-2001). ]

 

[BV]

I believe a low silicate (hope that's right) antifreeze is required for warranty purposes and i have noticed that not all list that element.

 

[Alan Reagan]

On the Dex-Cool when I talked to the dealer he said not to use it in vehicles intended for Ethylene Glycol. On distilled water, buy it at the grocery store in the gallon jugs. On the disappearing, my 01 ETH did it too. I think it is evaporation. On the Complete, It's expensive, but you get the right mix and the coolant is made for these engines.

 

[Grady]

Here is a little more info about our coolant and some words about cavitation. These subjects almost always stir things up as much as those about oils.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum4/HTML/003644.html

 

[Royal]

PEP Boys sells Rotella 50/50 mix Diesel cool-ant for $7. 99 a gal. Says it meets all diesel spec's. Probably same as Fleetgaurd at a lesser price.

 

[Chad Sheets]

I remember one guy said that the water out of a dehumidifer is distilled. If there is any truth to that, one could save a couple buck... that is if you already have a dehumidifier.

------------------
Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, EZ box, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member
My Diesel Page

 

[rickhans]

If you have central air conditioning on your house you have a de-humidifier. You can Y off of the pvc condensate drain and redirect the water to a hose or whatever and capture the water. I have not done it but I bet here in Texas you would capture enough on a summer day for the radiator.

Personally, I use tap water that has a carbon activated filter on it for the radiator and batteries.

 

[tom sweeney]

Originally posted by BNSF # 1:
Don't anyone out there laugh, but where do you get distilled water? I have never considered using it in my old 300SD and I change the coolant every year in that old beast. I am surprised that my Cummins with 8200 miles is low on coolant, especially being as how it's "winter" here in SoCal. I will use Prestone Coolant and distilled water on the refill of the coolant reservoir.

try WAL-MART..... 67 cents a gal..... tom


------------------
2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood.

 

[John Berger]

I just bought 8 gallons of the Fleetguard pre-mix. Cost was $10. 13 per gallon.

John

------------------
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec diff. cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges. Amsoil foam air filter and synthetics from nose to tail.
Cummins Power, don't leave home without it