Coolant fluid ?? diesel vs gas??

Good question.
I wonder if SCA-balanced coolant can do harm to gasoline engine.
I would assume not, but I drive 6l Powerstroke and those engines have humongous number of problems that usually originate with one of the heat exchanges failure (CLOGS).
How hard it is to figure out that heat exchangers failures originate from badly applied coolant.
Than my favorite Mercedes coolant goes into all engines, but is not SCA balanced as Mercedes is not using wet sleeves.

And a corollary question, is there any reason (other than cost) to NOT use Fleetguard Compleat ES in an ordinary gas car engine?

Correct. Color is NOT a fool-proof way to determine coolant chemistries.

BTW, most companies that make coolants DO make diesel coolants, including Prestone. Just unlikely that you will find it at Walmart.

My recommendation: When you change coolants, do a COMPLETE flush and go with the OAT-based/long life/maintenance free coolant sold and stocked by your engine manufacturer. That way if you are ever in for service, they can grab some off the shelf.

So Caterpillar ELC or Fleetguard's (Cummins in house brand) equivalent.

NeverHome2 wrote:
Wolfe10 is absolutely correct about the difference in antifreeze. I couldn't believe that our coach when we got had green antifreeze in it. This summer I drained it all out, flushed it all out of the system and replaced with Rotella ELC- extended life coolant that is red. It is not compatible with green antifreeze so under no circumstances can they be mixed. But they are made for diesel engines. and will last up to 600,000 miles.

It has been my understanding that there are ELC coolants that are green in color that are designed to be used in wet lined diesel engines. As an example "Peak" has an ELC that is supposed to be rated for use in lined engines that is green in color.

There are two different coolants for diesels. Some have extended life coolants, some cannot use ELCs. Call the eng manufacturer to be sure you get the right one.

Zerex makes antifreeze for diesels.HOAT

I have excellent results with Mercedes coolant, that is not labeled for diesels.
Should not use it on wet sleeves, but I have been running it on all my Powerstrokes for last decade and Mercedes made a formula that keeps engines much cooler.
To the degree that with my pickup I tow 15,000 lb trailer in 90F weather and the engine fan is not coming on till I hit steep grade.
Lot of people shy from Mercedes parts assuming they are expensive, but I am buying the coolant from local MB dealer for $19, while green stuff around here sells for $15.

Wolfe10 is absolutely correct about the difference in antifreeze. I couldn't believe that our coach when we got had green antifreeze in it. This summer I drained it all out, flushed it all out of the system and replaced with Rotella ELC- extended life coolant that is red. It is not compatible with green antifreeze so under no circumstances can they be mixed. But they are made for diesel engines. and will last up to 600,000 miles.

^What he said


Parts stores love to sell "universal" coolants. While those can be okay to use for an emergency top-off, they should not be used to replace properly rated diesel coolant. Depending on the year, your 8.3L may be OK on standard green if you add additives, however if you have an EGR, the regular green stuff will polymerize from the extreme heat, and it forms a jello-like plug which blocks the EGR cooler. BTDT.

HUGE difference between auto and diesel coolants. That does not mean that a "for diesel" coolant could not be used in a gasoline vehicle. BUT, the opposite is NOT TRUE.

There are two basic types of coolants approved for diesel engines (all brands have basically the same specs):

1. Low silicate for diesel with added SCA. SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) is used up protecting the cylinder liners and has to be tested for and replaced. Here are the test strips I use when doing mechanical inspections on coaches: http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=22873


2. The new generation OAT-based coolants that are basically "maintenance free".

Put in regular Prestone from Walmart and you will be paying for a complete rebuild.