Coolant Question

[JohnnyBM931A2]

After the coolant has been drained as much as possible from the system using the radiator drain, how much fluid is left in there? I seem to remember someone saying 3 gallons, but I want to be sure. There is only water in there now, as I have flushed all of the antifreeze out.

So, assuming 3 gallons of water is left in there, I would then add 3 gallons of straight antifreeze. That would bring me up to 6 gallons of 50/50 mix. After that I would add 5 more gallons of 50/50 mix, for a total of 11 gallons/44qts (6CTA engine.) Does that sound correct?

 

[frank8003]

There is a bit more to the answer of how much water and "coolant".
So you have "wet" liners?
See
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...eeze-Coolant-Important-Antifreeze-Facts/page2

 

[WillWagner]

You can drain the block via the plug or draincock at the bottom of the oil cooler cavity, this gets 90% of the block drained. A dry engine holds 3 gallons. It will be easier to use pre mixed so you know that you have the correct concentration for your climate. Just make sure to use a low silicate coolant with SCA's, (supplemental coolant additives) and stay away from ELC, (extended life coolant), the red, orange crap like dexcool or the likes.

 

[JohnnyBM931A2]

Yup. The coolant that I picked up from NAPA is low silicate, and is pre-charged with the proper additives. I just wanted to make sure I was putting the right amount of fluid in. Once I am all done I will check the coolant to make sure everything is alright, and will put in more additives if necessary.

 

[MuleMac01]

I went to the Cummins repair shop in Las Vegas and they said use this stuff for my 6cta it was recommend for it... the engine fan hasn't turned on since ..kind of pricy though.

 

[WillWagner]

That is good stuff, I is in all my vehicles. It is an ELC, but doesn't eat rubber parts. It will also mix with all coolants, glycol based and the red/orange crap and not turn to black goo.

 

[JohnnyBM931A2]

I went to the Cummins repair shop in Las Vegas and they said use this stuff for my 6cta it was recommend for it... the engine fan hasn't turned on since ..View attachment 594269kind of pricy though.

The stuff I bought from NAPA wasn't too expensive.. I think it was $13/gallon if memory serves (for undiluted straight antifreeze.)

 

[gunsgreg]

ELC, (extended life coolant), the red, orange crap like dexcool or the likes.

In checking mine it is definitely an orange color so that is what it is? It should be flushed and replaced?

 

[simp5782]

I run Caterpillar ELC I think I paid $98 for a case of 6.. I have a coolant evacuation system so it sucks most of it out I assume. Hopefully less than 3 gal left in the system

 

[infidel got me]

coolant

In checking mine it is definitely an orange color so that is what it is? It should be flushed and replaced?

Yes, I would flush it and get rid of the orange/rusty stuff. Napa sold me fleetguard for 12 bucks a gallon. I flushed mine for about three hours before it ran clear and then went 50/50 coolant and used distilled water.