Note: Obtaining a Coolant Sample (Level 1) is optional if the cooling system is filled with one of the following coolants: Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant)., Cat ELI (Extended Life Inhibitor) and Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolant.
Note: Obtain a Coolant Sample (Level 1) if the cooling system is filled with any of the following coolants: Cat DEAC, Cat SCA, and Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolants.
For additional information about coolant analysis and about other coolants, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" or consult your Cat dealer.
Illustration 1 | g06367629 |
(1) Coolant sampling port |
If the engine is equipped with a sampling port, the engine should be running at operating temperature when the sample is obtained.
If the engine is not equipped with a sampling port, the coolant should be warm.
Use the following guidelines for proper sampling of the coolant:
- Complete the information on the label for the sampling bottle before you begin to take the samples.
- Keep the unused sampling bottles stored in plastic bags.
- Obtain coolant samples directly from the coolant sample port. You should not obtain the samples from any other location.
- Keep the lids on empty sampling bottles until you are ready to collect the sample.
- Place the sample in the mailing tube immediately after obtaining the sample to avoid contamination.
- Never collect samples from expansion bottles.
- Never collect samples from the drain for a system.
Recommended Interval | ||
Type of Coolant | Level 1 | Level 2 |
Cat DEAC
Cat SCA Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolants |
Every 250 hours | Yearly(1) |
Cat ELC
Cat ELI Commercial EC-1 Coolants |
Optional(1) | Yearly(1) |
(1) | The Level 2 Coolant Analysis should be performed sooner if a problem is suspected or identified. |
Note: Check the SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) of the conventional coolant at every oil change or at every 250 hours. Perform this check at the interval that occurs first.
Obtain the sample of the coolant as close as possible to the recommended sampling interval. To receive the full effect of S·O·S analysis, establish a consistent trend of data. To establish a pertinent history of data, perform consistent samplings that are evenly spaced. Supplies for collecting samples can be obtained from your Cat dealer.
NOTICE |
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Always use a designated pump for oil sampling, and use a separate designated pump for coolant sampling. Using the same pump for both types of samples may contaminate the samples that are being drawn. This contaminate may cause a false analysis and an incorrect interpretation that could lead to concerns by both dealers and customers. |
Submit the sample for Level 1 analysis.
Note: Level 1 results may indicate a need for Level 2 Analysis.