Time to remind owners to check coolant for DCA/SCA

[market]

Made an appointment at a Freightliner Oasis Service Center to have the engine cooling system drained, flushed and refilled. Having read all the posts regarding the problem of the Freightliner cooling system sensors being damaged by non-SCA coolant, mentioned the label on the radiator stating "Use only Fully Formulated (w/SCA) Purple HD Conventional Coolant" and asked if that would be used. Was told that the service facility was a Freightliner Service Center and only used Freightliner Factory approved parts. After completion of the work reviewed the detailed invoice stating that Fleetguard CC36077 ES Compleat EG OAT coolant had been used. Researched this coolant and noted that it is an OAT coolant and not an SCA coolant. Became concerned that it would damage the sensors installed by Freightliner and cause an engine shutdown. Called the Freightliner Customer Assistance Center 1-800-385-4357 and related the concern. Was told that yes, the OAT coolant would damage the sensors and needed to be drained and replaced by SCA coolant. Called the Freightliner Oasis Service Manager and explained the problem. He said that he would research it and call me back. He did call me back and said that he had called his known contacts at the Freightliner Factory and had been told that the engine coolant needed to meet ASTM standard D6210 in order to meet all Freightliner requirements and that Fleetguard CC36077 ES Compleat EG OAT coolant did meet this standard. I was relieved but was somewhat bewildered by receiving such opposing positions so I called the Freightliner Customer Assistance Center back. It was clear that the Oasis Service Manager had called them. I was told that all of the Customer Assistance representatives had gotten together for a group meeting following the call from the Oasis Service Manager, discussed the issue and determined that Fleetguard CC36077 ES Compleat EG OAT coolant would not cause damage to the sensors installed in the cooling system. So after being told twice that it was okay and only once that it wasn't I felt more relieved.

2012 Itasca Meridian 34Y with Cummins ISB, 2012 Honda CRV toad, Blue Ox baseplates and tow bar, M&G Engineering braking system, Toad Charge, Roadmaster tow defender

[Mr_D]

I have the Fleetguard OAT coolant in my Country Coach, installed in May 2015 when the engine was rebuilt. I am now getting low coolant warnings. I have a new sensor to install.
No idea if the OAT coolant has damaged the sensor or it's just old age on the sensor.

[Fiesta48]

I bite where do you get test strips?

[lwmcguire]

Freightliner or other automotive shops as well as Amazon and eBay, you need to match the strip to your current antifreeze to be sure you are testing for the correct analytes

Most of them are Nitrite or Molybdate and perhaps both, and of course glycol. Some check alkalinity or pH which is the same, just different ways of determining a value

[Crop Duster]

Do any of you have an idea what the coolant capacity is for a side radiator with an ISL? We have a 2 year old radiator but i want to get ahead on this one. Thanks, barryb.

[c_oneil]

You would get better info on the Country Coach forum because it has more to do with the radiator than the engine. FYI, mine is 14 gallons.

[lwmcguire]

You might have a higher capacity radiator however it will be close to the original. You will want to have a spare jug on hand anyway.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by firedoc

Ok, so with my C7 I don't have to obsess over this issue. I can find enough others, like HEUI pump.

Do a search for diesel cavitation. No reason to obsess though, it's ordinary maintenance.
Cavitation occurs in any diesel engine,especially during a hard pull, without the correct % of SCA in the coolant. Too much is just as harmful as too little, thus the test strips design.

The difference between a parent-block and a block with cylinder liners is the cost of repair. A parent block must be replaced-no liner,the block cylinder gets worn/eaten-through; only wet liners are replaced in engines that use them.
Most larger wet-sleeve diesels use a coolant filter, these may be purchased with or without a built-in SCA delayed-release additive.

[Crop Duster]

I ordered a sample kit today so I can get the antifreeze analyzed before flushing and refilling. The fluid looks new. I don’t think any further damage will happen if I just wait and get it checked. Kind of scary, though. Will be watching this close in the future.

[lwmcguire]

https://www.cumminsfiltration.com/si..._TB03-05-2.pdf

Great overview of the various SCA products from Cummins Fleetguard

[Fiesta48]

At 33k miles and 4 years I finally found the correct test strips for my 14 ISL. My SCA was low. 1.1 should be 1.5 min. Ordered the DCA5 additive. $50. But cheaper than a new engine.

[JohnBoyToo]

We bought a used ISL 425hp...

how do you know what coolant you have in your engine ?

Guess the best thing for us to do is swap out the coolant ---

to OAT ?

will need to see where I can get it done here in dfw area

thanks

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

We bought used... how do you know what coolant you have in your engine ?

Use test strip that test for SCA's. You will either see Nitrite or Molybdate. If neither one then you need to dig further to see if you have OAT or are in bad need of SCA's.

[JohnBoyToo]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Use test strip that test for SCA's. You will either see Nitrite or Molybdate. If neither one then you need to dig further to see if you have OAT or are in bad need of SCA's.

Thanks !
Just called Cummins Southern Plains for a flush and fill and he guessed it would be about $1200 - $1500 dollars ....

Speedco just said $109 per hour and couldn't tell me how long, maybe 6 hours.... plus coolant, etc...



Anyone want to make some money here in Fort Worth, Tx ?!?