Engine Coolant
Good morning to all. I have a 400 HP Cummins engine. What type and brand of coolant should I use?
Forum Discussion
Guys,
The engine manufacturer can NOT tell you what coolant is in there-- the chassis maker speced and poured the coolant in when they built the chassis.
Yes, the engine maker can recommend a coolant if you are changing coolants.
This applies to all diesel engines (Caterpillar, Cummins, DD, etc) with the possible exception of the Cummins B (though using these coolants in the B is still a better idea than regular automotive coolant):
There are two kinds of coolants (coolant chemistries) approved for diesels. The less expensive one and one used by virtually all chassis makers as a result is: "Low silicate for diesel with added SCA". It generally has a 3 year life and the SCA level must be checked and replenished annually (there are test strips that test SCA level).
The second and slightly more expensive are the new-generation OAT-based coolants such as Fleetguard ES Complet OAT, Caterpillar ELC, etc. They are basically "maintenance-free" coolants. You do nothing/test nothing/add nothing for 6 years (yes if you drive over 300,000 miles you do add a maintenance booster).
The engine manufacturer can NOT tell you what coolant is in there-- the chassis maker speced and poured the coolant in when they built the chassis.
Yes, the engine maker can recommend a coolant if you are changing coolants.
This applies to all diesel engines (Caterpillar, Cummins, DD, etc) with the possible exception of the Cummins B (though using these coolants in the B is still a better idea than regular automotive coolant):
There are two kinds of coolants (coolant chemistries) approved for diesels. The less expensive one and one used by virtually all chassis makers as a result is: "Low silicate for diesel with added SCA". It generally has a 3 year life and the SCA level must be checked and replenished annually (there are test strips that test SCA level).
The second and slightly more expensive are the new-generation OAT-based coolants such as Fleetguard ES Complet OAT, Caterpillar ELC, etc. They are basically "maintenance-free" coolants. You do nothing/test nothing/add nothing for 6 years (yes if you drive over 300,000 miles you do add a maintenance booster).
