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07-25-2013, 02:27 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 26
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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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07-25-2013, 03:09 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cosby, Tn
Posts: 6,587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shell925
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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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.
__________________
Steve Ownby
Full time since 2007
2003 Monaco Signature
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07-25-2013, 03:17 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shell925
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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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.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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07-25-2013, 04:52 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, Florida
Posts: 13,599
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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.
__________________
Gary
2005 Newmar KSDP 3910 + GMC ENVOY XUV 37K lbs Moving Down The Road
The Avatar Is Many Times Around The USA
Nobody Knows Your Coach Like Somebody Who Owns One Just Like Yours
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07-25-2013, 06:21 PM
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#5
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Community Administrator
Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Marquette, Michigan "Da UP" & Lehigh Acres Florida
Posts: 21,822
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__________________
John & Cathy R.
06 Pace Arrow 38L Workhorse W24
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07-25-2013, 06:30 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryKD
1. If the current coolant is green, add coolant that is green.
2. If the current coolant is red, add coolant that is red.
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With the newer coolants I don't think that works anymore, especially with the heavy duty coolants.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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07-25-2013, 07:53 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,414
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Also depends on what year and what engine.
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Dave and Laura & two cats
02 Discovery with Accord toad
retired auto rv tech and teacher, wife rt nurse
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07-26-2013, 05:16 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 26
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I sorry. It is a 2005 Mandalay new to me with a 350 Cat engine.
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07-26-2013, 06:27 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,025
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I would dump the coolant and install one of the OAT antifreezes. No need to add any sca and test.
__________________
Moisheh
2008 Dynasty 42' Diamond IV
1988 Bluebird PT38
2009 Silverado Toad
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07-26-2013, 11:43 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, Florida
Posts: 13,599
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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.
__________________
Gary
2005 Newmar KSDP 3910 + GMC ENVOY XUV 37K lbs Moving Down The Road
The Avatar Is Many Times Around The USA
Nobody Knows Your Coach Like Somebody Who Owns One Just Like Yours
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07-26-2013, 07:00 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,593
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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.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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07-27-2013, 09:11 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: May 2010
Location: East Coast Fl
Posts: 1,229
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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.
__________________
2016 Arctic Fox 25Y (For Sale), 2016 F350 4x4 DRW, 6.7
2008 Mobile Suites RE3: Sold
2005 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV: Sold
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