Changing to ELC Coolant

sixysixss · 07-15-2011, 03:57 PM

I have a 2005 National Tropical with a Cat 350. I'm going to be changing the coolant over to the newer ELC formula. Has anyone done this themselves? If so, can you offer any suggestions on how you did it and the procedure you followed. I have many questions. Thanks.

Rob S.
2005 Tropical LX
350 HP Cat

bdpreece · 07-18-2011, 11:51 AM

I did my 04 Tropi Cal a couple of years ago also changed out the thermostats at the same time. I found the procedure in the Cat manual that came with my coach and just followed that. I have a large galvanized wash tub that I use for oil changes and also used it for the coolant change. I purchased the 50/50 premix. The only thing I really remember is you will introduce air into the system and you need to open the pitcocks on the hose lines until you get a good flow after filling. I had to do this a couple of times after starting and warming up the engine.

sixysixss · 07-18-2011, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the help. Where are the petcocks? I see valves to shut off the flow to the heater hoses along the frame near the transmission. Right after the valve, on the heater side, is a petcock. Can you use this to drain the system? Are there additional petcocks I am missing? thanks.

bdpreece · 07-18-2011, 12:40 PM

Like I said; it has been two years plus I no longer own the coach so I don't have the Caterpillar engine manual that came with it. I am pretty sure that is where I drained the system plus I had the thermostats out. You need to drain and flush with clean water before removing the thermostats.