2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What kind of coolant to run?

[KMott]

I just replaced the rad in my 94 since the truck was already apart for painting. I picked up a jug of the prestone stuff that was on sale. I didnt realize until later that it was orange, and says its gm dex-cool approved. Will this cause any problems? The guy at canadian tire said it wasnt a good idea to run in a diesel (when i went back today to get more to fill it right up). I already put some in a few weeks back. I cant see it being an issue, but i figured its better safe than sorry. Thanks for any input.

Kevin m

 

[Camelracer]

I understand you shouldn't mix the orange and green. If you're going to stick with the orange I would make sure all the old stuff is flushed out of the system. I also read on one of these forums a while back that the GM stuff can gel under certain conditions. Can't remember the details though.

 

[rotohead]

Just did mine and I was going to buy the stuff at the local Cummins shop but they all said Prestone was just as good and cheaper. I got Prestone that was yellowish, in yellow pre-mix jugs. I wish I could've found the Texaco extended life (orange/reddish color) that I used for the past six years or so. That stuff was great but had to get back on the road so went with the Prestone.

Chuck

 

[FourBarR]

shell ECL been using since new . good for 1,000,000kms. or 600,000k . a addative package to be added at 300,000 k . changed thermostat at 300,000kms everythink clean ,no scale ,no rust ,no corrosion.

 

[Loren]

Like FourBarR, I like the extended life coolant. The Shell he uses is probably similar to what I have installed. I used the Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant. You can buy it pre-mixed or concentrated. If you use distilled water, as you should, you won't save much (if anything) by buying the concentrate.



When I bought mine a couple of years ago, the Caterpillar part numbers were:

Caterpillar Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (concentrate): 119-5150

Caterpillar Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (pre-mixed): 101-2844

Caterpillar Extender for above Antifreeze: 119-5152



Run this coolant for 300,000 miles or three years. At that time, add the recommended amount of extender and run another 300,000 miles or three more years. After that, you must change the anti-freeze and start another cycle.



Changing the coolant isn't the worst job to do on our trucks, but I don't enjoy it. The extended life coolant allows me to wait a long time between jobs.



Loren

 

[HighRanger]

Funny, Cummins said I had to use GL-5 coolant. They said anything 2000 and up it was the coolant that cummins recommended for the 5. 9. Did ya check your owners manual?