Community Forums

ru499 · 10-23-2014, 12:56 PM

Wanted to tell my experience in regards to coolant in a Cummins with wet liners. We bought a 2005 Itasca with a 400 ISL engine. The previous owner took immaculate care of this coach except for one thing. He never changed the coolant. The coolant used in this engine needs to have "SCA" additives in it to prevent cavitation of the coolant around the liners. When the coolant cavitates, bubbles will actually pit the liners and cause tiny holes in them. The result is coolant leaking into the cylinders. Luckily, I caught mine before any damage was done.

I just wanted to warn everyone to use the correct coolant and change it at the prescribed intervals. They make test strips to check on the level of SCA additives in the coolant.

The coolant to use is usually labeled "FOR HEAVY DUTY DIESEL ENGINES ".

This only applies to engines with wet liners.

MnTom · 10-23-2014, 03:06 PM

How true. I have seen liners that looked like they had a worm infestation due to the holes. Sand in the block from casting will also wear holes in them too.

Smitty77 · 10-23-2014, 04:07 PM

In addition to engines running a bit cooler (And yes, too cool is not all that good for diesels

!), the non SCA required of the OAT and other coolants like Final Charge, simplify this part of coach ownership maintenance.

If ever coming near a change out cycle of either the engine or generator cooling system, worth investigating to see if the change over to one of these non SCA required coolants is something a coach owner is interested in.

Best to all, and OP - glad yo caught it when you did

!
Smitty

Mr_D · 10-23-2014, 10:55 PM

Here's what it looks like:

Mr_D · 10-23-2014, 11:05 PM

I'm right in the middle of changing my coolant again (old coolant mostly drained, need to flush next, but the rains started), from the SCA requiring heavy duty coolant to one of the long term ones: Detroit Diesel Power Cool Plus which is really Old World Fleet Charge. I could get the DD coolant easier and cheaper than Fleet Charge where I live.

Some of the heavy duty coolants have and acid (sodium 2-ethyl hexonate) which Cummins found will form a gooey mess in engines that use silicone sealers in them. The ISC's used in MH's don't have the silicone sealant, but the ISL's do.

ru499 · 10-24-2014, 11:44 AM

At my next coolant change, can I change to an OATS coolant on my 2005 ISL or do I have to continue using an SCA coolant?

koda59 · 10-24-2014, 07:22 PM

You can change over at anytime. I have the 2006 ISL 400.

spike45 · 12-02-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Here's what it looks like:

for an ISL 9 that is a typical failure I have seen far worse. is there a coolant head on the coach?you can add one contact a feetguard distributor call 80-22FI LTER they can tell you the available distributors in yout area.

Ray,IN · 12-09-2014, 08:28 PM

Cummins coolant filters have a built-in charge of SCA that is dispensed slowly to keep the level correct. The filter should be changed at recommended maintenance schedule, which is usually at oil change intervals.
If anyone buys the test strips, keep in mind they expire after a year. I didn't know that until I bought a container of 100 and read the label_.

They may be purchased individually-wrapped at some auto supply stores.

Mr_D · 12-09-2014, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Cummins coolant filters have a built-in charge of SCA that is dispensed slowly to keep the level correct. The filter should be changed at recommended maintenance schedule, which is usually at oil change intervals.
If anyone buys the test strips, keep in mind they expire after a year. I didn't know that until I bought a container of 100 and read the label_.

They may be purchased individually-wrapped at some auto supply stores.

There are various coolant filters, some have NO DCA charge and others have quite a bit. You need to determine how much DCA you need to add and uy the correct filter. I went to long life and a no DCA filter last month.
BTW: DCA is what Cummins calls it's SCA, I bought some a while ago in 16 oz bottles.
I bought the test strips in a packet of 3 at Cummins NW and even then I got an expired batch. Noticed it as I was paying for them and exchanged them.

Mr_D · 12-09-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike45

for an ISL 9 that is a typical failure I have seen far worse. is there a coolant head on the coach?you can add one contact a feetguard distributor call 80-22FI LTER they can tell you the available distributors in yout area.

BTW: the picture I posted came from Gary Spires (Spike45) collection!

spike45 · 12-31-2014, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

BTW: the picture I posted came from Gary Spires (Spike45) collection!

Mr. D, I thought that pic looked familiar!:-D

USMCRET · 12-31-2014, 05:28 AM

I guess this is as good a place as any to ask this question: Does my Onan HDKAJ require SCA in the coolant?

slowmachine · 12-31-2014, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USMCRET

I guess this is as good a place as any to ask this question: Does my Onan HDKAJ require SCA in the coolant?

My HDKAJ manual says to use an "ethylene or propylene glycol anti-freeze solution that contains a rust and corrosion inhibitor. The anti-freeze should not contain a stop-leak additive."

Distiller water is preferred for mixing the solution.

No mention of any additives.

Mike