Antifreeze in a ISL

[Our Time]

I know this has been discussed a thousand times but I still don't have a straight answer. I have a 2008 400 ISL (ULSD) engine that does NOT have a coolant filter. In talking to Cumings and Monaco nobody seems to know what type of antifreeze to use. It came new with green antifreeze in it and I would like to add a bit but not sure what to use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Our Time]

I know this has been discussed a thousand times but I still don't have a straight answer. I have a 2008 400 ISL (ULSD) engine that does NOT have a coolant filter. In talking to Cumings and Monaco nobody seems to know what type of antifreeze to use. It came new with green antifreeze in it and I would like to add a bit but not sure what to use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[bullydogs1]

Try this link which shows general specs on the ISL...

http://www.everytime.cummins.c...sets/pdf/4971118.pdf

[Our Time]

Thanks Stuart. That's exactly what I was looking for. The Cummins book that came with the coach is generic and doesn't have that section.

[Sixpack98]

Chuck,
Monaco uses standard Ethylene glycol (EG)with an SCA additive package. Cummins calls SCA DCA but it is the same thing. A Monaco tech said the brand was Shell HD EG. Any HD EG antifreeze suitable for diesel engines will be ok to use. Stuart pointed you in the right direction. After you top off the antifreeze you should check the SCA level after the engine has had time to mix the new with the old. Fleetguard sells SCA test strips (part num CC2604 for a 4 pack)to check the chemicals and freezing point. Fleetguard also sells DCA 4 additive which is needed to adjust the level of SCA. Also, the lifespan of standard EG antifreeze is about 2 years.

[moisheh]

Here is a tip I learned when looking for AF for our 3208 Cat. Cummins states that any AF that meets the ASTM 4985 is acceptable as long as you use the additive. WalMart carries their own brand of non diluted AF that clearly meets this spec. I havent checked the price in the last year or so but it was about $8.00 a gallon. It states it is a long life coolant but in a diesel application you must trat it like regular life AF. Wal Mart also carries gallons of distilled ater and I think they are about 80 cents a gallon. Even though Cummins may recommend a 2 year life that is a little extreme in an RV application. I would go for 4 years. You can actually sample your AF and take it to a Cat dealer and they will test it just like they do oil ( I dont know if Cummins does this). Then you could make an intelligent decision about replacement time.

[Mike Canter]

Am I missing something here. My Fleetguard ES Compleat Extended Life CC2820 Antifreeze says it is good for life if it has the chemicals updated every 150,000 miles and you use the test strips. Check it out athttp://www.cumminsfiltration.com/pdfs/product_lit/americas_brochures/LT15070.pdf

I have never changed mine

[Happycarz]

When I was in the shop at Harrisburg in April, they were using Peak Full Force, which is green, out of a 55 gallon barrel. When I change it this month, I will use Fleetguard ES Compleat EG. I change my coolant every 12,000-15000 miles, as I can do it myself. On my last coach, at 80,000 miles I had to repair the intercooler and had to take the radiator/intercooler assembly out. Looking into the radiator, I could see no buildup in or next to the tubes in the core. Each time I changed it, I used 8 gallons, doing a drain and fill. At $13.00/gal, I thought it was cheap insurance.

[Happycarz]

Also, for the spec on the Peak, go here:
http://www.peakantifreeze.com/fullforce.htm

and for all their products:
http://www.peakantifreeze.com/referencechart.html

[Bill2]

On the subject of changing the AF, where is there something or someplace to get a sample of AF to test with the test strips? I have the 06 Endeavor with the ISL 400 HP engine. The strips says to not use the resevore for the testing.

[Happycarz]

Bill,
Does your tank have a radiator cap on it, and is it pressurized? If so, when safe to do so, remove the cap and take a sample from the tank. This tank is part of the circulating coolant system. The instructions refer to a non-pressuerized coolant overflow tank, like on an automobile.