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Coolant filter for my CAT 3176B

March 08, 2013, 01:06:56 am

Okay -- so I found through searching this WIX coolant filter (my favorite brand) for the 3176B, and it mentions the filter having 4 units of DCA.

For those out there with the same engine, does that sound like what you have fitted? (the 4 units part)

Trying to educate myself on this issue of filters with added anti-corrosion elements, what are the compatible coolants , and my searching here on the forum didn't yield any details on the CAT, but spoke mostly of the Cummins.


http://www2.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/PartDetail.asp?Part=24071

Any comments appreciated

Michael

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Re: Coolant filter for my CAT 3176B

Reply #1 – March 08, 2013, 08:21:40 am

Michael,

The amount of SCA (expressed in "units") takes a little explanation:

There are two basic types of approved coolants for diesels (all makes have basically the same requirements)-- "Low silicate for diesel coolant with added SCA" and the newer generation OAT-based long life coolants.

SCA is only added to the first type, NOT to the OAT-based coolants.  So, that is the first question.

SCA is "consumed" as it protects your cylinder liners and must be replenished.  You will need a coolant test strip (tests pH, SCA concentration and freeze point) to determine how many units need to be added.  SCA can be added as a liquid or in the filters-- same stuff.

But, let's back up to the more important question for your long-stored rig-- how old is the coolant in there.  Caterpillar recommends changing "regular" coolant every 3 years, ELC (their brand of long life coolant) every 6 years.

If you are going to change the coolant, strongly suggest you consider one of the long life coolants.  Since you have a Caterpillar, Caterpillar ELC would be my choice. If using ELC or other OAT-based coolant, the coolant filter is replaced with a filter "blank" that has filtration, but zero units SCA.

And, if you are going to change it yourself, let me know and I can post detailed instructions.

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Re: Coolant filter for my CAT 3176B

Reply #2 – March 08, 2013, 06:39:53 pm

I'll be following this thread with interest and have a question.  It is my understanding that standard antifreeze can be converted to the organic acid long life type with a conversion additive, assuming the original coolant is in good shape.  Has anyone looked into doing this?

Chuck

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Re: Coolant filter for my CAT 3176B

Reply #3 – March 08, 2013, 10:54:42 pm

Chuck,

Would be interested in some documentation of that. I know when changing from standard diesel coolant to Caterpillar ELC, they recommend (in writing) the use of a cooling system cleaner.  Their literature also gives a max percent "contamination" with standard coolant before 6 year change interval reverts to 3-- I am not home right now, so can't look up the exact percent.

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Re: Coolant filter for my CAT 3176B

Reply #4 – March 09, 2013, 10:47:34 am

Brett,

Here's the info.

Cummins QuickServe Online | COLA

I sent a coolant sample to my oil analysis lab to see what condition it's in.  If ok I'll do the conversion assuming I can actually obtain the conversion additive.  Will change filter also as required to a non SCA replenishing type. 

(edit.  Rereading the above link reveals the instructions are as clear as mud.  On one hand they say the ES system doesn't require SCAs, filters.  In the next paragraph they refer to adding SCA's to a certain level.  I'm going to give them a call and see if anyone can provide a clear answer.)

Chuck

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