Diesel owners

[yrusoslo]

Ok, who checks there coolant for harmful nitrates. Like we don't have enough to check

[wolfe10]

pritch272 wrote:
We switched over to the ELC coolant which requires virtually no maintenance. We replaced all hoses, water pump, thermostat and housing, added an external coolant filter all for about $540, doing the work myself over a couple of days.

Google for coolant flush procedures and you will find lots of help.

Here is one: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/960812-goochs-radiator-engine-backflush-procedure-and-coolant-info...

And, here is one I wrote specifically for diesel motorhomes (on Diesel RV Club Website): http://forum.dieselrvclub.org/index.php/topic,6653.0.html

[nevadanick]

No need to worry, get plenty of them in hotdogs and wine.

[pritch272]

We switched over to the ELC coolant which requires virtually no maintenance. We replaced all hoses, water pump, thermostat and housing, added an external coolant filter all for about $540, doing the work myself over a couple of days.

Google for coolant flush procedures and you will find lots of help.

Here is one: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/960812-goochs-radiator-engine-backflush-procedure-and-coolant-info...

[The_Texan]

Check our SCA's at EVERY oil change, as Cummins recommends.

[wolfe10]

YUP, a number of chassis maker decisions just like coach maker decisions are made by the bean counters.

But, they are CORRECT. If you didn't ask before buying they were able to transfer those dollars to THEIR bottom line. Sure not saying I agree, but that is business.

Same with single fuel filter vs two on a diesel. Same for low end suspension components/same components on vastly different GVWR chassis, etc.

[down_home]

We have the extended life or permanent, or whatever, Cat coolant or rather the Freightliner version that is pale pink.
Hasn't been changed in several years and looks good. Cat wants 3,000.00 for cleaning , replacing all hoses and belts, and two thermostats.
So I'm going to find someone to do it for a tad less that is reliable and...add a coolant filter and replace if neccessary the fan bearing etc. Wouldn't have cost them but pennies at the time they installed the engine in the chassis but I bet is is a pretty penny now.

[wolfe10]

???Harmful Nitrates???

SCA's/Nitrates are a necessary component of "regular low silicate for diesel with added SCA" coolant.

1200 PPM is the proper concentration. Too little or too much can be harmful.

Please read your engine owners manual section on coolants!

BTW the only proper answer is that EVERYONE with a diesel with exception of the Cummins B needs to check and bring nitrate/SCA concentration to the proper level at least once a year EXCEPT those who have switched to an OAT-based coolant such as Caterpillar ELC or Fleetguard ES Complete-OAT. I am sure I am leaving out a couple of other OAT-based coolants that fall into the "no added SCA needed".

[rode2nowhere]

What exactly is nitrates in coolant?:h

[donn0128]

Did when the system was done last year necessating a flush too