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Red AND Green

Hello!

It turns out my M11 has a mixture of red and green fluid in the radiator.

Why or who I don't know. Not me.

One thought is that red and green are compatible, and red lasts longer.

What do you think?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Red AND Green

Reply #1 –
Paul,
I dont think they are compatible.  You don't  need the additive in the red but the green does require it.  I know some coolants say they can be mixed, but I am not sure I would take the chance.
 Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Red AND Green

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
Hello!

It turns out my M11 has a mixture of red and green fluid in the radiator.

Why or who I don't know. Not me.

One thought is that red and green are compatible, and red lasts longer.

What do you think?

best, paul

The Peak Global Final Charge that I use says it is partially compatible in small amounts(less than 25%) but I would personally change it all out.
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Red AND Green

Reply #3 –
As long as the red is not ATF.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Red AND Green

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
It turns out my M11 has a mixture of red and green fluid in the radiator.

Why or who I don't know. Not me.

One thought is that red and green are compatible, and red lasts longer.

What do you think?

Pretty sure the engine is colorblind ;) .  The coolant must meet Cummins spec for your engine and generally you shouldn't mix (especially if the chemistry is different).  If you don't know for sure what's in your coolant system, flush it and refill it with known-approved coolant.  The wrong coolant can do damage.

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
As long as the red is not ATF.

And what Pierce said, recalling Roland's recent transmission cooler failure...
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: Red AND Green

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
Hello!

It turns out my M11 has a mixture of red and green fluid in the radiator.


So does that mean your antifreeze is brown?
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
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Red AND Green

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
It turns out my M11 has a mixture of red and green fluid in the radiator.

Why or who I don't know. Not me.

Quote from: Paul Smith –
Just 8/1/14, Bernd and his workers finished all this: Adjusted M11 valves, replaced 8 air bags, rebuilt aqua hot, replaced fuel lines, replaced coolant hoses, flushed and cleaned coolant system, and more.

Paul,

Did Bernd discover anything amiss that caused the mixture of coolants?  I see they rebuilt your AquaHot - was that related?

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: Red AND Green

Reply #7 –
Michelle,

The AH problem was fuel leaking unrelated to engine coolant.

They rebuilt the AH pumps to stop the leaking. The pumps didn't fail, the 3 seal rings did, total cost, parts and labor, less than $400. Â Bernd got the 3 rings from Roger Berke.

I had an annual on the AH last Jan and didn't use the AH that much. I wondered if they missed the leaking pumps? Or did the leaks start later?

At this point, after all was said and done, I think I mis-understood the engine coolant issue.

The only thing amiss re engine coolant was 2 hoses that needed to be replaced.

BTW, the new fuel lines were pretty impressive. Bernd thot they'd outlast the MH ;o)

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element