I just bought some 50/50 coolant mix for my cummins 8.3 diesel engine. The auto parts store said there's no difference in coolant between diesel and gas engines. Is this true? Any recommendations on what coolant to use? ThanksBrian

I know there is a difference in some. I do not know the details but you can do damage to some diesels by putting in the wrong coolant. This may be only big diesels, I just don't know which ones so be careful. Good luck.

Hopefully owner of the same engine will come with specific, but if your diesel has wet sleeves, it needs SCA balanced coolant. If it is not wet, SCA balancing is not mandatory, but might be still recommended. I replaced too many radiators in my life to put just any coolant. I am using lifetime coolant from Fleet Pride, or Mercedes coolant on my diesels.

Best to check with Cummins if you don't have the diesel supplement manual for your 8.3.IIRC Cummins changed requirements in 2003?

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=228732. 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.

^What he saidParts 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.

Coolant fluid ?? diesel vs gas?? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 03, 2015
Best to check with Cummins if you don't have the diesel supplement manual for your 8.3.

IIRC Cummins changed requirements in 2003?
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2015
Hopefully owner of the same engine will come with specific, but if your diesel has wet sleeves, it needs SCA balanced coolant.
If it is not wet, SCA balancing is not mandatory, but might be still recommended.
I replaced too many radiators in my life to put just any coolant.
I am using lifetime coolant from Fleet Pride, or Mercedes coolant on my diesels.
gemert
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015
I know there is a difference in some. I do not know the details but you can do damage to some diesels by putting in the wrong coolant. This may be only big diesels, I just don't know which ones so be careful. Good luck.

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Coolant fluid ?? diesel vs gas??

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