ANTI-FREEZE

[Ginger]

How do you tell the difference in antifreeze in a diesel. Need to know which color is what. Plan on changing out. Want the kind I can use the strips on.

[Ginger]

How do you tell the difference in antifreeze in a diesel. Need to know which color is what. Plan on changing out. Want the kind I can use the strips on.

[smlranger]

That can best be answered based on the engine you have...CAT or Cummins. You can call Freightliner, give them the last 6 digits in your VIN#, and they will tell you which antifreeze was put in at the factory.

Since your question is specific to the Freightliner chassis, I have short-cut your question to the Freightliner Chassis Owners area.

[Gary RVRoamer]

If you are going to change the coolant (and coolant filters too), it doesn't make any difference what was there before. Both Cummins and Freightliner recommend a "fully formulated" antifreeze, one that contains all the chemicals your cooling system needs.

You should not use regular automotive type antifreezes - you need a heavy duty antifreeze formulated for a diesel engine.

One such is Alliance. Another is Fleet Charge Cummins own brand is called Fleet Guard ES. I think Cat has their own brand as well.

[vicsryd]

Note FL chasis with CAT engines do not have coolant filters.

Generally speaking in diesels you should only add the exact same anti-freeze that is already there. For example the FL Alliance is coolant (factory coolant) uses SCA additives and is pink. Fleetguard is green and a different formulation and should not be mixed. CAT ELC (Extended Life Coolant) is yet again different.

When you check the level and its low you should with a test strip (NAPA carries them) before topping off to see if the SCA's, freeze level and PH are correct. You should do this a couple of times a year regardelss.

If the PH is more than .5 off you should replace all the coolant ASAP. If the freeze level is low thensiphon off whats in the surge tank and add undiluted coolant (not 50/50) into the tank. If the SCA's are low then recharge with with concentrated additives and some distilled water if the level is still low.

Factory coolant is really only good for 4, maybe 5 years even if maintained correctly as described above. When it comes time to replace it many folks switch to an extended life coolant which is good for 10 years. Besides CAT ELC I know of FINAL CHARGE Global ELC. Walmart has 50/50 premix for about $10/gal.

There is a lot more coolant info and some clarity on the FCOC Yahoo Group.