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Antifreeze
I am going to change the antifreeze in my coach and NAPA has a product that is extended life and meets the Detroit specs,what does the brain trust think of using the NAPA instead of the Detroit power cool antifreeze?
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4 Replies
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I have no long term experience with extended life but I have used it and can share the following.
First, go over the entire coach and replace any coolant hose that has the potential to be a problem before six years is up. It makes no sense to go to the trouble or expense only to find in a year or two you have burst a hose or have to replace one.
I would only use a coolant that meets the EC-1 standard. Caterpillar designed that coolant and the EC-1 spec but now many manufacturers are offering coolant that meets that spec. I used Cat coolant.
Get blanks for the SCA cartridges or shut off flow to the existing ones until you can get blanks. Adding any SCAs to extended life coolant reverts it to a 2 year life.
I may have gone overboard but I started with an engine flush after I drained it. I ran the coach for about 1 1/2 hours with the flush in it and when I drained it the water was a greenish black. I never was able to drain 100% of the capacity of 24 gallons so I refilled and flushed it about 6 or 8 times and it drained and took about 18 gallons at a time. By the last drain it was still showing some pink even though between drain and fill cycles I ran it and brought it up to temperature to open the thermostat and operated the Webasto to make sure I was flushing the entire system.
My next coolant change on my coach will be extended life and I will be doing what I described above.
I tried to discuss coolant with the local Detroit dealer and all I got was attitude and an apparent lack of interest or knowledge so I have no idea if a Detroit extended life is good or bad. All they managed to do was piss me off.
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Stewart and Stevenson in Houston totally recommends the 50/50 “Power Cool” coolant part number 23512138 recommended by Detroit Diesel … I buy mine from Houston and it is excellent. I can check the container but I believe it is a fully formulated ethylene glycol based, low silicate… it is red and works long term…
My thoughts…
Pres
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I only use CAT(ELC,) Extended Life Coolant, but was advised by the local DD Dealer to continue using the inline water filter cartridge.
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The above comment is the exact mis-information people have to be aware of.
Extended life coolant that meets the spec is what is known as Organic Acid Technology and it has a 6 year life.
The other common coolant Inorganic Acid Technology coolants often ethylene glycol or propylene glycol are two year coolants and require occasional additions of SCA (supplemental coolant additives) to protect against pitting corrosion. If SCAs are added to OAT coolants they revert to a 2 year life coolant.
Whatever coolant you use is entirely up to you as an owner. The 2 year is cheaper, but entails 3 times the labor to maintain the system. The 6 year coolant is more expensive but only requires changing once every six years and changing coolant is time consuming and involves disposing of a large amount of used coolant.
Whatever is used however must be properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Coolant does far more than protect the engine from heat damage or freezing. It is the first line of defense against pitting and perforation of the cylinder liners. If that happens you are faced with a new or rebuilt engine.
Make the choice after reading and doing the research on what is best for you and your coach and be very carefull about advice from people who don’t know what they are talking about.
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