1986/11/01 Caterpillar

Caterpillar Antifreeze Now Used And Available From Parts Departments

Usage:

All Caterpillar Engines

Reference: Truck Engine News, June, 1986, Page 3, "Nitrite Test Kit Available For Cooling Systems ", and Truck Engine News, February, 1986, Page 1, "High Silicates In Antifreeze ".

Reference: "Know Your Cooling System", SEBD0518-04.

Description of Change: An antifreeze formulated to Caterpillar specifications is now being used at the factory in engine cooling systems. This Caterpillar antifreeze provides liner and block pitting protection at initial fill and reduces the possibility of chemical overconcentration in two ways:

... First, Caterpillar antifreeze contains less silicates than commercial automotive antifreezes.

... Secondly, the cooling system conditioner is not required at the initial fill of Caterpillar antifreeze.

The possibility of overconcentration of chemicals exists when a complete inhibitor package (needed for liner and block pitting protection) is added to the additives already present in commercially available antifreezes. The resulting high concentration of silicates and other chemicals causes the formation of solids and gels which deposit in the cooling system. Radiator and heater tubes are plugged and cooling system capacity is reduced. The solids caused by overconcentration also cause water pump seals to leak.

Adaptable To: The Caterpillar antifreeze can be used in any Caterpillar or other diesel engine. Order 8C3686 Drums, each containing 208 liters (55 gal). At a later date, 3.79 liter (one gal) containers will be announced.

The Caterpillar antifreeze with the supplemental inhibitor package will give you the best results if the following procedure is used:

... Add 6V45 11 Cooling System Cleaner to the coolant presently in the engine, and operate as directed in your engine maintenance publication. Drain and flush.

... Use water that has the minimum quality shown in Chart A.

... Add a MINIMUM of 30%, but NO more than 60%, of Caterpillar antifreeze to the good quality water to give the desired freeze protection. See Charts B and C. These charts will also appear on the drums of antifreeze.

NOTE: A minimum of 30% Caterpillar antifreeze is required at the initial fill to give protection against cylinder liner and block pitting. Do NOT add any precharge, maintenance element, or liquid inhibitor at the initial fill.

... AFTER 250 SMH (Service Meter Hours) or 20,000 km (12,500 mi), use either the maintenance element or a liquid inhibitor as recommended in the engine maintenance publication. DO NOT use both.

... Keep the corrosion inhibitor at the correct concentration by following the cooling system conditioner recommendations in the current maintenance publication. OR, test the coolant for nitrites by using the 8T5296 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit. See first Reference Article on this subject.