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Snomas's avatar
Snomas
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014

Another coolant question?

I had a heater hose breakdown on I-10. The hose was changed out and 8 gals of a Chevron Extended life coolant was added on top of my Cummins Fleetguard Extended life coolant (system holds 11gals total). Should I have the system flushed and replace w/all new Fleetguard coolant or is the mix I have now OK?
  • Also, I checked the specs and both coolants are Ethylene Glycol Based coolants. So I assume they are compatable.
  • The coolant added on the road was premix 50/50. So all is Ok. I have changed all the coolant hoses in the coach even the ones front to back, but have not had the coolant changed yet. I will have the coolant tested with my oil change next month. I'm still not sure if I need to flush and replace all the coolant! From most of the comments it sounds like it would be best to do so!!
  • wolfe10 wrote:
    Not sure we can conclude that the " 8 gals of a Chevron Extended life coolant" added was concentrate or pre-dilute.

    The invoice will tell.


    You are correct. However, note that I stated that "if your system holds a total of 11 gallons as you said and you added eight gallons of pure coolant, you are way off with your mixture with far too much coolant." There was no mention in the original post referring to any 50/50 mix, pre-mix coolant or "pre-dilute" as you called it. I guess without saying it is pre-mixed or 50/50, one would assume that it was pure coolant?
  • Not sure we can conclude that the " 8 gals of a Chevron Extended life coolant" added was concentrate or pre-dilute.

    The invoice will tell.
  • Snomas wrote:
    I had a heater hose breakdown on I-10. The hose was changed out and 8 gals of a Chevron Extended life coolant was added on top of my Cummins Fleetguard Extended life coolant (system holds 11gals total). Should I have the system flushed and replace w/all new Fleetguard coolant or is the mix I have now OK?


    I believe that you will find that the specification for almost any coolant is that you should not exceed a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. If your system holds a total of 11 gallons as you said and you added eight gallons of pure coolant, you are way off with your mixture with far too much coolant. While having a mixture of coolant greater than 50% will give added protection to freezing (far beyond what you would need), it will significantly reduce the cooling system efficiency.

    Safe travels.
  • Executive wrote:
    Personally, for peace of mind, I'd have it flushed and changed. While they were doing so, I'd also have all the other hoses changed as well. Rubber deteriorates over time. If one went, others may follow...just me, YMMV......Dennis


    Read the specs of your last anti freeze added, many will mix with all brands, but some will not. If it is leave it in untill you get the chance to change the rest of your hoses as Dennis says.

    Brian
  • Personally, for peace of mind, I'd have it flushed and changed. While they were doing so, I'd also have all the other hoses changed as well. Rubber deteriorates over time. If one went, others may follow...just me, YMMV......Dennis
  • A question for a chemist at Fleetguard and/or Chevron.

    You could also do some on-line research as to the chemistry of the two.