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Topic: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11 (Read 3429 times) previous topic - next topic

Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

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 & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #1 –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Bobby & Norma
1992 GV U280
C8.3 Cummins

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #2 –
If you are going to change the coolant you might also want to change the coolant filter too.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Raymond Jordan –
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
Brett did a nice write up on changing your coolant.
Step by step on properly replacing coolant
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #4 –
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.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #5 –
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

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #6 –
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
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #7 –
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 Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
if I had a Cummins, I would consider Fleetguard (Cummins owned) OAT-based product or stay with Texaco ELC. 

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
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: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #9 –
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

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Changing Coolant Cummins M 11

Reply #10 –
Cummins recommendation is NO regular ELC change unless coolant fails test strips or analysis every six months.
Regards,
Brett

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