Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions (Read 915 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

We have a 2001 U270 with the 8.3 liter, 350 HP Cummins and a 10 KW Kubota powered 4-cylinder generator. I would like to change the antifreeze for both engines and have several questions:

1. I have the means to capture the water but where are the best/easiest points to drain each of the radiators?

2. How much antifreeze is required for each?

3. I think I remember to use DexCool, correct?

4.  Amazon has Zerox DexCool for $14.92/gallon, undiluted, plus tax (free shipping for Prime members).  Is this a good deal or does anyone have better suggestions?

Thank you, Robert

Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #2 –
Coolant Antifreeze Brief
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #3 –
Cummins themselves told me to use ANY coolant as long as it says  MEETS CUMMINS 14603 specifications on the jug.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #4 –
But the different types that meet Cummins specs, don't all coexist without issues.  And just draining does not get rid of all of the stuff that is currently in there.

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #5 –
See Brett Wolfe's opinion, Reply #3, "Cooling System 101" in the thread below:

Engine coolant - Feetguard ES Compleat OAT
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #6 –
Thanks to all of you.

I found Zerex Extended Life Antifreeze which meets Cummins 14603 specs. The cost is $84.42 for 6 gallons, undiluted.

We're in Houston now (I have a minor medical issue) but hope to get to the coach some time late tomorrow. The coach has a Foretravel label on the overflow tank indicating what fluid to use. I'll report on what I find but think that the fluid is a Havoline product which is no longer available.  Once I get that info I will research compatibility issues.

I still need to know where the best drain points are. 

Thanks again, Robert
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #7 –
Your 01, 8.3 holds 15 gals of coolant.

and your 10k generator holes 10 qts

drain at bottom of both radiators with coolant caps loose.
also I drain the engine blocks at the water drain valve on the engines.

Note there is a special way to bleed air out of your coolant system on your generator.
Look here on the forum for the correct procedures.

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Rob & Di –
I found Zerex Extended Life Antifreeze which meets Cummins 14603 specs. The cost is $84.42 for 6 gallons, undiluted.

The coach has a Foretravel label on the overflow tank indicating what fluid to use. I'll report on what I find but think that the fluid is a Havoline product which is no longer available.  Once I get that info I will research compatibility issues.

That antifreeze should work well in your motorhome. Be sure to follow Brett Wolfe's instructions on thoroughly cleaning the system before putting in the new antifreeze, and be sure to install a blank coolant filter on your engine. You don't want a coolant filter that contains any additives. Those are incompatible with the new antifreeze you will be using.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #9 –
D.J., in stating that coolant filters containing additive are not compatible with the antifreeze he is using, what are the affects if one would use the filter with additives?
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Twig –
D.J., in stating that coolant filters containing additive are not compatible with the antifreeze he is using, what are the affects if one would use the filter with additives?

I'm not a chemist, and so I can't tell you exactly what would happen. I do know that Cummins, Brett Wolfe, and everyone else who has made statements on the subject state that a blank coolant filter should be used with OAT antifreeze.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #11 –
I checked the coach in the rain. The sticker shows Texaco ELC.  Amazon has filter # WF2077 for $10.99 so I will probably get that and the antifreeze from them. Thanks again to all of you for you're help.

We're leaving for Nac (MOT) Monday to get them to fix several problems that I can't handle. Perhaps we'll see someone from the forum there. Wish  us luck.
Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Rob & Di –
I checked the coach in the rain. The sticker shows Texaco ELC. 

Double check my memory, but I think that's the same as Shell Rotella ELC.  Tractor Supply sells Shell Rotella ELC concentrate, usually around $15/gallon Shell Rotella ELC Antifreeze, 1 gal. - For Life Out Here
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #13 –
My 2003 has only used Rotella ELC. Is there any reason for me to change?
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer
 

Re: Foretravel Antifreeze Questions

Reply #14 –
Tom,
No, it's the same stuff.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R