Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 26, 2025 ...

Coolant Check

May 09, 2018, 05:40:47 pm

As I can find no record of the last time that my (DD6V92) coolant was changed, is the pH "test strip" method tge best way to analyze tge fluid to determine whether or not it is time for a change? My fluid, visible through the site glass, is green.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #1 – May 09, 2018, 05:51:48 pm

Totally depends on what "chemistry" the coolant is.

If "low silicate for diesel with SCA" the answer is YES.

If one of the new generation OAT-based coolants, the answer is NO.

Though color is not always a true indicator of chemistry, if green, most are the low silicate kind.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #2 – May 09, 2018, 05:54:42 pm

I would just flush system out and change it,it's possible the coolant could be in there for years and have a good test strip
indication.According to Barndog one of his freeze plugs may have caused his engine to crater,be safe and change it and start
from zero.PS,Brett still has some coolant for sale,good price.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #3 – May 09, 2018, 07:06:43 pm

Brett,

Noway to tell from the scant information at hand. I will schedule to have it flushed and replaced. Is it best to use the "new generation" fluid?

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #4 – May 09, 2018, 09:33:34 pm

Also, with regard to this information regarding freeze plugs— how big a worry is that, as I have a 64-mile roundtrip to do tomorrow through the weekend and can't get back in the shop until next week? I have perfectly normal-looking, clean fluid and normal coolant temps at cruise power.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #5 – May 09, 2018, 10:02:31 pm

There are others more familiar with the DD 2 stroke and it's cooling needs.

I am not aware that coolant specs are any different than for Cat or Cummins, but others need to VERIFY that.

Brett

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #6 – May 10, 2018, 08:53:46 am

Take your trip.  You will be fine.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #7 – May 10, 2018, 11:41:56 am

If indeed it was a freeze plug failure it was a freak failure,have looked at freeze plugs on industrial engines and have never seen
one fall out,the worst I have seen is seeping coolant.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #8 – May 10, 2018, 08:30:38 pm

Things have a way of working out.

The shop that is replacing the cooling fan on my DD92 has to remove the radiator to get access to the fan, so the coolant will be drained and changed in the process.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #9 – May 10, 2018, 08:34:20 pm

Now's the time,if the radiator looks questionable or needs replacement you already paid for the labor,you would just be out the cost of a new radiator.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #10 – May 10, 2018, 08:40:46 pm

Actually, my radiator looks like it was just delivered from FT, but it may not look so pristine inside. Will certainly have a look though. My coach sat for years, so I'm always suspicious.

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Re: Coolant Check

Reply #11 – May 10, 2018, 09:02:13 pm

Sounds good,wash it or have them wash it and check for bare metal,get a can of paint and give it a touch up.

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