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Old 07-25-2013, 02:27 PM   #1
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Coolant

I have a DP and I got a message "check coolant". What is the best way to do this and if it's low. What should I add?
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Old 07-25-2013, 03:09 PM   #2
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I have a DP and I got a message "check coolant". What is the best way to do this and if it's low. What should I add?
It depends on what is in your cooling system now. If your coach is new enough that the OEM coolant is still installed then call your chassis manufacturer, most likely Freightliner or Spartan, with your coach number and ask them what it shipped with. If you have coolant that needs to be tested for DCA level annually then you have a regular heavy duty ethylene glycol like Fleetguard ES Compleat. If you have a newer coach you might have an "OAT" type coolant that doesn't use DCA.
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Old 07-25-2013, 03:17 PM   #3
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I have a DP and I got a message "check coolant". What is the best way to do this and if it's low. What should I add?
You want to be checking / adding coolant with the engine cold, sitting overnight is preferred , 2hr min shut down if you can't wait. Very good chance of getting burnt otherwise .
Then as Steve says , getting the best info on, type of A/F ,from your manuals or manufacturer as coolant has changed a lot over the past few years.
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Old 07-25-2013, 04:52 PM   #4
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Hi Shell925,
Welcome to iRV2. On the expansion tank there might be a sticker saying what coolant is in the coach. In addition to what has been posted, something simple to consider is:
1. If the current coolant is green, add coolant that is green.
2. If the current coolant is red, add coolant that is red.

Any coolant you buy, must be for a diesel engine.

For future posts, it would help if you mentioned your coach's brand, year, model and engine make.
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Old 07-25-2013, 06:21 PM   #5
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Old 07-25-2013, 06:30 PM   #6
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1. If the current coolant is green, add coolant that is green.
2. If the current coolant is red, add coolant that is red.
With the newer coolants I don't think that works anymore, especially with the heavy duty coolants.
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Old 07-25-2013, 07:53 PM   #7
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Also depends on what year and what engine.
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Old 07-26-2013, 05:16 AM   #8
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I sorry. It is a 2005 Mandalay new to me with a 350 Cat engine.
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Old 07-26-2013, 06:27 AM   #9
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I would dump the coolant and install one of the OAT antifreezes. No need to add any sca and test.
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Old 07-26-2013, 11:43 AM   #10
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Hi Shell925,
Because the coach is an 05 and new to you, moisheh posted what I would do. Unless you have maintenance records showing the coolant has been replace, one must assume the original coolant is still in the engine. If this is true, no matter what coolant is in the system it is overdue for a change. Make sure long life coolant is installed. This coolant is usually red in color and does not need SCA additive. It will last 6 years. Consider having the tech check the hoses while the system is drained.

As a temporary measure, one could add distilled water.

Unless specific information is shown, I stand by my post #4. It is easy to "think" something different. It is another to provide supporting facts.
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Old 07-26-2013, 07:00 PM   #11
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I 2nd what GaryKD said, both times. Another option is to consider the coolant that is compatible with any other coolant for temporary use, I forget the brand name. Use a test strip or have it done at any truck repair shop, to determine coolant quality remaining, it never wears out or loses strength, just loses additives then develops an acidic form, which then will eventually destroy the radiator and might cause engine damage from cavitation.
Then when convenient have the system flushed and new OAT stuff installed so you know the system is protected and safe for years.
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Old 07-27-2013, 09:11 PM   #12
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You might want to take a look around first and see why it is low. Hopefully you can see where it is leaking and fix it. If you don't see it you might want to get some help in determining where it is going. Coolant usually doesn't just get low enough to set off alarms unless there is a leak somewhere, bad pressure cap or a dirty or bad sensor. Some minimal loss over time may be acceptable but you are getting a coolant problem message. It may be nothing but do take a closer look.
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