C7 Industrial Engine Operation and Maintenance Manual – Coolant


NOTICE
Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM D3306 specification. This type of coolant/antifreeze is made for light duty automotive applications.

The following two coolants are used in Caterpillar diesel engines:

Preferred – Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 specification

Acceptable – A Caterpillar Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC) or a commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets “ASTM D4985”, or “ASTM D6210” specifications

Note: Caterpillar DEAC does not require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. A commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets “ASTM D4985” or “ASTM D6210” specifications MAY require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. These coolants WILL require a treatment with an SCA on a maintenance basis.

Table 4
Service Life Before Flushing and Before Refilling
Coolant Service Life (1) (2)
.
Cat ELC 12,000 Service Hours or 6 Years
Commercial coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 specification 6,000 Service Hours or 6 Years
Cat DEAC 3,000 Service Hours or 3 Years
Commercial Heavy-Duty Antifreeze/Coolant that meets “ASTM D4985” 3,000 Service Hours or 2 Years
Commercial Heavy-Duty Antifreeze/Coolant that meets “ASTM D4985” 3,000 Service Hours or 1 Year
( 1 ) Use the interval that occurs first.
( 2 ) Refer to the specific engine Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Maintenance Interval Schedule” for the interval for the Cooling System Water Temperature Regulator.

Glycol

Glycol in the coolant helps to provide protection against the following conditions:

 

  • Boiling 
  • Freezing 
  • Cavitation of the water pump and cylinder liners 

For optimum performance, Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of a water/glycol solution.

Note: Use a mixture that will provide protection against the lowest ambient temperature.

Note: 100 percent pure glycol will freeze at a temperature of -23 °C (-9 °F).

Refer to tables 5 and 6for additional information.

Most conventional heavy-duty antifreeze/coolants use ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol may also be used. In a 1:1 mixture with water, ethylene and propylene glycol provide similar protection against freezing and boiling. Refer to tables 5 and 6 for additional information.

Table 5
Ethylene Glycol
Concentration Freeze Protection Boil Protection
50 Percent -37 °C (-34 °F) 106 °C (223 °F)
60 Percent -51 °C (-60 °F) 111 °C (232 °F)

 


NOTICE
Do not use propylene glycol in concentrations that exceed 50 percent glycol because of propylene glycol’s reduced heat transfer capability. Use ethylene glycol in conditions that require additional protection against boiling or freezing.

Table 6
Propylene Glycol
Concentration Freeze Protection Boil Protection
50 Percent -32 °C (-26 °F) 106 °C (223 °F)

To check the concentration of glycol, use the 1U-7298 Coolant/Battery Tester (Degree Celsius) or use the 1U-7297 Coolant/Battery Tester (Degree Fahrenheit). The testers give readings that are immediate and accurate. The testers can be used with ethylene or propylene glycol.

Note: Propylene glycol coolant that is used in Caterpillar Diesel Engine cooling systems must meet “ASTM D6211-98a “Fully-Formulated Propylene Glycol-Based Engine Coolant for Heavy-Duty Engines”. When Propylene glycol is used in heavy-duty diesel engines, a regular addition of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) is required for protection against liner cavitation. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information.

S·O·S Coolant Analysis

Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and from corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and from freezing. The S·O·S Coolant Analysis can be done at your Caterpillar dealer. Caterpillar S·O·S Coolant Analysis is the best way to monitor the condition of your coolant and your cooling system. S·O·S Coolant Analysis is a program that is based on periodic samples.

Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, “Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations” for additional information.

Refill Capacity (Coolant System)

The total cooling system capacity will vary depending on the radiator that is provided by the OEM. The table for the capacity of the cooling system is blank. The customer should fill in the table.

Table 7
Approximate Capacity of the Cooling System
Compartment or System Liters Quarts
Total Cooling System (1)
( 1 ) The total cooling system capacity includes the following components:the engine block , the radiator and all coolant hoses and lines.

Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, “Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations” for additional information that relates to coolant for your engine.

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