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Topic: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red) (Read 663 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

I would appreciate your help in understanding whether or not this is an issue and if so, how to control it. Recently (this week) I had my coolant changed and noticed green coolant was in it. I called Berndt at Worldwide Motors and he recommended sticking with the same color and to use a coolant stabilizer to minimize the effects of electrolysis. I went and purchased Zerex (ZXRU1) green coolant to replace it. Also, changed the coolant filter (the one with beads inside- Luber Finer LFW4071, Kelly Truck Parts (NAC) coolant filter). I was told that the purpose of the filter "beads" was to slowly dissolve into the coolant to reduce the effects of electrolysis. There is also something called a coolant additive that Berndt suggested I add.

Is this true? What coolant additive do you use? I am concerned because I "think" my engine, radiator and transmission cooler (CAC?) are good (no visible rot) and would really like to keep it that way. Thanks for the feedback, I need it!
Walt, Dawn, Matt & the Poodles
99 36' U320 #5515 MC #17977 "Axle"
Not All Who Wander Are Lost (not original but I like it)

Re: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #1 –
That coolant is OK for your diesel, but the little I read on it says you must add SCA (vs comes with SCA).  You will need to verify this.

Use test strips to test SCA concentration, then add SCA to get to the correct concentration.

The coolant filter you used shows to contain 1 ounce of SCA.  Again, need to test coolant SCA concentration and bring it up to spec.

SCA is used to protect the cylinder liners from erosion.  Not aware of any electrolysis inhibiting properties, but not a chemist.

SCA can be added by filter (with more units of SCA) or this may be the "coolant additive Berndt is talking about.

Any shop that works on OTR tucks will have the test strips.  Most test for: pH, freeze point and SCA concentration.

Need to test every year and replenish SCA which is used up (sacrificial).
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: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #2 –
I  had the green coolant in my '96 Monaco, and in my opinion it is a PTIA I bought a refractometer, test strips and a gallon of SCA concentrate. the test strips have expiration dates and had to replace them before I used them up. Bought different water filters with different units of SCA in them. Also bought an additive for electrolysis control. If it were me I would flush out the green at the earliest  opportunity and  go with the ELC  coolant. This is just because I found it hard to keep up with the PH and freeze protection. DWMYH
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #3 –
I've had the same experience with coolant as Craneman in all my diesels for the past 15+ years.  Now for the last 4 years, I've used nothing but the following in my generators and engines. Great information here on the forum on how to change over using distilled water to flush and mix with the 100% coolant.
Lifetime Heavy Duty Fully Formulated Antifreeze/Coolant Nitrite, Amine,...
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #4 –
Totally agree, flush it out and go with and ELC-- that is what I have done as well for the last 20 years.

And, with ELC, you use a  coolant filter known as as a ZERO-- meaning no SCA.

Put it in and do nothing for 6 years.  No testing, no SCA, nothing.  Be sure to make a label on the coolant fill with what is in there so no one adds SCA or a different coolant.

At 6 years, start testing it annually-- likely to still be good.
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: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #5 –
Regarding the blank filters without SCA, what harm is done if someone puts the SCA containing filter in an engine that has ELC in it? A quick internet search doesn't come up with what happens with an SCA coolant filter. I have CAT ELC (OAT based) in our coach, and on a recent trip underneath while installing the FASS lift pump, I looked at the water filter and found a WIX 24071 (which according to the catalog contains 4 units of DCA) put in by Colton truck terminal in 2013 during my first baseline service, which included transmission, coolant, engine oil, etc.

Due for a change now in terms of time, but only about 25K miles on it.
Don
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Totally agree, flush it out and go with and ELC-- that is what I have done as well for the last 20 years.

And, with ELC, you use a  coolant filter known as as a ZERO-- meaning no SCA.

Put it in and do nothing for 6 years.  No testing, no SCA, nothing.  Be sure to make a label on the coolant fill with what is in there so no one adds SCA or a different coolant.

At 6 years, start testing it annually-- likely to still be good.
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #7 –
Sorry, Don, I do not know to what degree 4 units of SCA contaminated the Caterpillar ELC coolant.  Perhaps a call to Caterpillar on Monday could answer that.

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: Engine Coolant Electrolysis Control & effect of changing coolant color(grn, red)

Reply #8 –
There is some information that no indication of damage from years ago.

Coolant Dilemma
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean