Radiator Fluid Change

[Dean V]

How many gallons of radiator fluid does my 8.3 cummins take?

What size thermostat do I need for the 8.3 cummins?

Where do I get radiator hoses and what are the part numbers for the radiator hoses?

Thanks,
Dean

[gatorv]

I just put about 6 gallons of antifreeze and 6 gal of distilled water in mine. Don't forget to get the diesel additive from Cummins to protect the liners for pitting. The cummins part # is DCA30-L, you will need QTY-2. You can buy the Cummins antifreeze for $28.oo per gallon with additive included if you want. I don't have that much money.

[EngineerMike]

On the 8.3's if you change the so called coolant "filter" at appropriate intervals, the canister dissolves the correct amount of DCA additive into the coolant as you drive

[Algoma]

Sign up for Quickserve, register your engine number, and you will have access to the Cummins part numbers such as the thermostats (if your really need them). The hoses are coach specific so you will have to get these made up since you can't buy them from WRV anymore.
When changing the coolant switch to a long life OAT type, such as Zerex Extended Life, and you won't have to check DCA levels again.

[FRED MASINO]

What coolant filter can we use on the 8.3's?

[Algoma]

Originally Posted by FRED MASINO

What coolant filter can we use on the 8.3's?

If you are using the original type of coolant the correct "filter" is Fleetguard WF 2074. If you switch to the newer coolant that doesn't require SCA topping up you can use an "empty" filter such as WF 2077. See Standard Service/Non-Chemical Filters

[Renipladlo]

All- Use Fleetguard Complete coolant and you don't have to worry about the additive, since it's already mixed in the proper proportions. It's also mixed with distilled water as well, so it's a direct replacement. You can buy Fleetguard coolant, which then needs the distilled water, but the complete is just that "complete". It's available at Cummins parts locations, fleetpride, almost any Navistar or Freightliner service center as well. It's also recommended coolant for Cummins engines, so that is what I would use, and it's about 10 gallons if I remember correctly. You can do the job yourself if you have a catch basin large enough as the radiator has a drain plug, and I think there are two on the engine as well. The hoses should be a standard hose which Cummins has in stock, the radiator cap (surge tank) is 17lbs pressure if my memory serves, and you should change the cap and do a coolant change every three years, it's listed in the owners manual for the engine.

[hogdriver]

I just had my coolant (Extended Life Final Charge) flushed and replaced due to a coolant loss where I topped off the loss with non-SCA coolant. It was the only coolant available in the area.

The Cummins shop warmed up the engine, then drained it via the drain petcock. Next they added a Cummins coolant flush, which was about a quart and resembles a dish washing soap mixture. They filled the system with clear water then warmed the engine up again. Then drain the flush mixture. On my 450 ISL, side radiator Spartan chassis it takes 12 gals so you have to have a plenty big catch pan. They used the bottom third of a cutoff oil drum. Next they rain clear water thru the system while leaving the drain open until it ran clear. Finally they added the extended life coolant and when it got to the last 2 gals you have to run the engine some to "burp" the air out. After the engine is run for a day or so recheck the quantity as air bubbles need to work out. I paid $500 for this service because I didn't have the liquid barrels or disposal setup. Cummins said if you do this yourself some community landfills or even fire stations will accept the old coolant.

Some Walmart's sell Peak Final Charge 50/50 premixed extended life coolant. It comes in a black container with a red label and sells for about $13/gal. Cummins sells their Fleetguard Complete Extended Life coolant. There is also a Zerex coolant.