Coolant replacement for 2005 and newer ISL 400

[jerry davis]

I realize that the manual suggests that the coolant be replaced at two year intervals. However many recommend going much longer than that for the newer engines. Any qualified thoughts on this subject?
When changing coolants what is the best product to use? Can you safely mix coolants?

[jerry davis]

I realize that the manual suggests that the coolant be replaced at two year intervals. However many recommend going much longer than that for the newer engines. Any qualified thoughts on this subject?
When changing coolants what is the best product to use? Can you safely mix coolants?

[EngineerMike]

For economy you can stick w/standard AntiFreeze formulated for diesel trucks. It comes in premixed (50/50) and 100% and includes the necessary additives right from the jug.
If you check the additive level w/test strips available from any NAPA or other truck part store about every 6 months (they can also sell you the additive), you should be able to run the same coolant for double or so the 2 year time frame.
If you don't test, replace at 2 years for sure.

You can check out "permanent" antifreeze types online. Google "oat antifreeze" or "permanent" AF and read up on whether that would be a useful option for you. I had DexCool in my last rig, and it was kinda nice not to have to mess w/it. That rig had a cheap aluminum radiator (GM, nuff said) and I never had the troubles a lot of other folks w/the same rig did with their cooling. It is spendy, and reportedly finicky about purging the air IIRC.

Some say their antifreeze can be mixed w/any other. I'd steer clear of that, and do a completer purge & install new of the same type, or purge, full rinse w/distilled water, then install a new type. Whatever goes in, I'd carry a coupla gallons spare 50/50 mix, just to insure you never ever have to mess w/it on the road.

[skp_member]

Jerry,

This info comes from a CAT owner, but Cummins has the same A/F.

Cat has a coolant that they call CAT ELC or extended life antifreeze. It is good for 600,000 miles with a additive added at the 300,000 mile mark. It costs no more than the "standard truck" coolant and is much easier to maintain.

I changed my CAT to a ELC type coolant and it tested the same as when I put it in after two years of use.

I believe the Cummins version is called ES Compleat and ES Optimax. Is has no borate in it and is much easier to maintain. Same formula as CAT ELC.

Need to flush the system as Mike mentioned when changing to ELC to get the full benfit of the ELC.

If you have the green stuff, you can probably run it for 3-4 years and 50-75k miles if you test it twice a year and maintain it. Most owners won't maintain it, so they say to just change it out every two years. The ELC stuff is "almost" maintance free and much harder to screw it up with over treatment.

Jim
'96 Safari