Coolant Requirements
What coolant should I use in arctic conditions?
- 60 percent ethylene glycol antifreeze. - Never exceed 68 percent ethylene glycol concentration in arctic conditions. - Do not use propylene glycol or glycerin coolant in arctic climates.
Which engines are compatible with coolants that are registered to CES 14603?
- Any Cummins engine except those with aluminum blocks or aluminum heads (ISV and some NG engines). - 14603 coolants are required for engines greater than 15 L. - Applies to engines with or without silicone elastomers in cooling system plumbing, and with or without copper-brass heat exchangers that use high lead solder for repairs.
Why do I need to use 14636 coolants in engines that contain aluminum cylinder head or block?
- CES 14636 specifies the use of a nitrite-free coolant to be used in engines with critical parts such as the engine block, cylinder head, or heat exchangers constructed of aluminum. - Bare aluminum can catalyze the conversion of nitrite to an alkaline product which can contribute to cooling system corrosion. As a result, coolants containing nitrite should not be used in engines with aluminum heads or blocks.
Can I mix coolants together?
- Coolant types should not be mixed in the engine. - Mixing coolant formulations could result in critical additive depletion and unpredictable performance. - In the case of switching from one coolant formulation to another, drain the cooling system completely and refill with the desired coolant.
When can I use the additive 2-EH?
- Coolants containing the additive 2-EH will not meet the performance requirements of CES 14603. You can use coolants containing 2-EH on CES 14439 engines - Causes swelling, softening, and deformation of silicone gasket, O-ring, hose, and seal materials. This can lead to critical coolant leaks
Can I use coolants registered to one specification in place of a coolant registered to another specification?
- Coolants registered to 14603 can also be used in place of coolants registered to CES 14439. - Coolants registered to CES 14439 are not recommended for use in engines greater than 15 liters in displacement due to potential elastomer compatibility issues with 2-EH
Which engines are compatible with coolants that are registered to CES 14439?
- Only engines that do not use silicone elastomers in the cooling system plumbing AND engines that do not have copper-brass HXs that use high lead solders for repairs.
Which engines are compatible with coolants that are registered to CES 14636?
-Light-duty, parent-bore engines with an aluminum cylinder head, without silicone elastomers in cooling system plumbing, and without copper-brass heat exchangers that use high lead solder for repairs.
What is treated water? Can I use it instead of coolant?
Any coolant mixture containing greater than 60 percent water by volume is considered "treated water". - Never use treated water in place of antifreeze/coolant, unless specifically approved, as engine damage can result. -Use of treated water can: - Reduce the level of engine protection against boilover - cylinder liner pitting - water pump cavitation - corrosion - scale and deposit formation - heater core freeze up - microbial deterioration. - Decrease engine and vehicle cooling system component life. - Damage-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.
What if I do not know the coolant in my engine?
For most applications, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) originally filled the cooling system. Check with the OEM on the type of coolant used during the initial fill of the cooling system.
Can I top off my coolant with water?
NO. This can lead to deposit formation and inadequate corrosion and cylinder liner protection. - Top off the cooling system using the same coolant formulation used to fill the cooling system. - Fleetguard® coolants are compatible with other coolant formulations with similar additive packages, but mixing coolant formulations such that one or more coolant(s) is present in a concentration greater than 25 percent by volume relative to the "original" coolant could result in critical additive depletion and unpredictable performance.
How do I select what coolant to use?
The selection of engine coolant must be based on the engine model and application, as recommended in this document. Improper selection of coolant could lead to the following: -Degradation of elastomeric materials -Corrosion -Cylinder liner cavitation -Interaction with cooling system metals.
