Hi,
I drained the radiator today. Opened the petcock, and slowly, it drained. It sure does not seem to be 16 gallons. Would I need to drain the block, somehow? Should the engine have been heated? Does the thermostat need to be open?
Thanks,
Raymond
Raymond,
I pulled the heater hose off it ties in low on the block, also a good way to flush the system will drain much quicker.
If you are going to change the coolant you might also want to change the coolant filter too.
Brett did a nice write up on changing your coolant.
Step by step on properly replacing coolant (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/step_by_step_on_properly_replacing_coolant.html)
Having recently purchased my FT and servicing all components. Here is some info. I have found concerning coolant.
I have a 99 FT with Texaco ELC. ( Came from factory) This coolant has no SCA. I believe the best solution on coolant rather than buying test strips ( because the coolant type dictates the needed test strips). I purchased 2 different brand test strips but neither was for ELC and so both read incorrectly. I believe the best solution is to go to local CAT dealer or other operation that has a fluid analysis operation, purchase coolant test kit and go home take a sample and return it to CAT ( or other facility) and have it sent off for testing. This gives you a complete review. Most of these ELC coolants will run for a very long time (most rated for 300000 miles) and it cost 19-30 dollars to test, and results will dictate necessity of change. Hope this is a help.
As for capacity in gallons, My guess would be by the time you drain the Aqua Hot, Dash Heater and all the plumbing between front to rear including the radiator, block, the recovery bottle and expansion tank, I do not know the exact capacity but I would think the 16 reported gal, wound not be way out of the question.
MHO
Dave M
Raymond, I bet you know but for others, that engine takes the Red ELC. I learned this summer that there are various "designs" of coolant and the M11/ISM takes the Red variety. Mike
While Caterpillar ELC is an excellent OAT-based long life coolant, if I had a Cummins, I would consider Fleetguard (Cummins owned) OAT-based product or stay with Texaco ELC. Much less complicated if you are in for engine service.
Brett,
Doesn't Cummins now recommend 6 year replacement, regardless of mileage? Or is that absent of any fluid analysis that might suggest otherwise/longer interval?
(we replaced ours; I'm just noting the recommendation of fluid analysis).
Michelle
Michelle,
I know that is Caterpillar's recommendation for their ELC. See no reason that Cummins recommendation would be different, but have not seen it in writing.
Said another way, I would change any OAT-based coolant (Cat, Fleetguard, Texaco, etc) at 6 years, independent of mileage.
And the beauty of all these is no SCA testing and adding. Changing coolant filters IS a good idea, but be sure to use "blanks" (no SCA).
Brett
Cummins recommendation is NO regular ELC change unless coolant fails test strips or analysis every six months.