Instructions for Use of Cat Coolant Conditioner for Aluminum Components

Introduction

This Special Instruction provides guidelines and instructions for use of Cat Coolant Conditioner for Aluminum Unit Core Radiators, and Aluminum Modular Core Radiators. For more information, please review the Information Release Memo, PELJ1330.

• Aluminum Unit Core Radiator: One to two self contained core component that comprises the machine cooling system. 
• Aluminum Modular Core Radiator: Multiple radiator cores that in combination comprise the radiator group for the machines cooling system. 

Aluminum Dosing Overview

Note: This Special Instruction applies only when an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Extended Life Coolant (ELC) that contains nitrites (e.g. Cat ELC and Cat ELI) is used in aluminum core radiators. This Special Instruction does not apply to conventional coolants similar to Cat DEAC, or machine applications with only copper radiators.

A compatibility issue exists between aluminum radiators and OAT coolants that contains nitrites. New aluminum radiators require Cat Coolant Conditioner for Aluminum Components (CCAC) to be added to the coolant to passivate the radiator. CCAC Passivation creates an oxidation coating on the aluminum that prevents the nitrites in the coolant from reacting with aluminum in the radiator. Without passivation, the nitrite content in the coolant will deplete over time. The nitrites in the coolant help to protect against cylinder liner pitting in the engine, prevents color fade in the coolant, and ammonia odor.

The chemical process that protects the nitrite in the solution will occur within 50 to 200 hours of operation. The CCAC is available from your local Caterpillar dealer. Refer to Table 1 below for a list of part numbers for various container volumes.

Determining if CCAC Dosing is Required

The following conditions require use of CCAC for aluminum core radiators if coolant contains the correct amount of dosing is shipped loose with the engine.

Remove the coolant fill cap, and dispense the appropriate amount of CCAC directly into the cooling system. It is not necessary to begin immediate operation of the engine in order to circulate and mix the conditioner with the coolant.

Aluminum Modular Radiator (AMR)

Once determined that Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Extended life Coolant (ELC) that contains nitrites is being used, read the following below.

When replacing an Aluminum Modular Radiator core, use one bottle 461-2417 Coolant per core being replaced.

Remove the coolant fill cap, and dispense the appropriate amount of CCAC directly into the cooling system. It is not necessary to begin immediate operation of the engine in order to circulate and mix the conditioner with the coolant