DISC-DRIVING 1B9746 - Caterpillar

You must read and understand the warnings and instructions contained in the Safety section of this manual before performing any operation or maintenance procedures.Cooling System Coolant
Change Coolant/Clean System/Replace Thermostat
Do not change the coolant until you read and understand the material in the Cooling System Specifications section.
Drain the coolant earlier whenever the coolant is dirty or foaming is observed.Replacing your thermostat prior to failure is a good preventive maintenance practice because it reduces your chances for unscheduled downtime. Failure to replace your thermostat on a regularly scheduled basis could cause severe engine damage and cost you money. If replacing thermostat ONLY, drain the coolant from the cooling system to a level below the thermostat housing.Since Caterpillar engines incorporate a shunt design cooling system, it is mandatory to always operate the engine with a thermostat. The thermostats can be reused if they are tested and meet the test specifications and are not damaged or have excessive buildup of deposits. The radiator cap is located in the top of the hood.1. Remove the radiator cap slowly to relieve pressure. 2. Open the drain valve and allow the coolant to drain. Drain valve is located under the radiator. 3. Remove the bolts (1) that fasten the thermostat housing (2) to the cylinder head and remove the thermostat housing and gaskets.4. Remove the thermostat and the seal from the housing.5. Install the seal gasket and thermostat to the housing.6. Install the housing to the cylinder head.7. Close the drain valve. Fill the system with clean water and a 6 to 10% concentration of cooling system cleaner.8. Start and run the engine for 90 minutes. Stop the engine and drain the cleaning solution.9. Flush the system with water, with the engine stopped, until the draining water is clear.10. Close the drain valve.11. Add the coolant solution. See Cooling System Specifications and Lubricant Viscosities and Refill Capacities. Do not add supplemental coolant additive or change element at this time, unless you are not using Caterpillar Antifreeze which contains additive.12. Start the engine and operate it with the radiator cap off, until the thermostat opens and the level stabilizes.13. Maintain the coolant level in the sight gauge located on the radiator behind the radiator grill.14. Install the cap.15. Stop the engine.Clean Outside of Radiator Fins
Compressed air is preferred, but high pressure water or steam can be used to remove dust, leaves and general debris from radiator fins.