Engine Coolant
Good morning to all. I have a 400 HP Cummins engine. What type and brand of coolant should I use?
Forum Discussion
- I use final charge that I get at Walmart. This is for heavy duty engines. We have the Cummins 400 isl engine.
- 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). - Call Cummins with the engine number. They can tell you exactly what is recommended. Don't call and say 2006 ctd. Engine number is required. Order a new Cummins thermostat too.
wolfe10 wrote:
Stop. There are two very different questions here:
IF your question is: "I am changing coolant, what do you recommend", I agree, one of the new-generation OAT-based coolants is the way I would go. If Cummins, would go with their house brand which is Fleetguard ES Complet OAT. If Cat, Caterpillar ELC.
IF you question is what to I top off my present system with, you need to check with your chassis maker (Freightliner I suspect). BUT, if this is OE coolant, you are way over-due to change it, as you do not have one of the long-life coolants from the factory.
X2
Do what Brett suggests. He really does know his "stuff".- Stop. There are two very different questions here:
IF your question is: "I am changing coolant, what do you recommend", I agree, one of the new-generation OAT-based coolants is the way I would go. If Cummins, would go with their house brand which is Fleetguard ES Complet OAT. If Cat, Caterpillar ELC.
IF you question is what to I top off my present system with, you need to check with your chassis maker (Freightliner I suspect). BUT, if this is OE coolant, you are way over-due to change it, as you do not have one of the long-life coolants from the factory. - Use HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze. Zerex G-05 will fill the bill.
- I think it would be best to get that answer from Cummins.
They seem to be engine specific. At least it is with my Cat.
