EDGE-BASE 3432214 - Caterpillar

Check the specific gravity of the coolant solution frequently in cold weather to ensure adequate protection.Clean the cooling system if it is contaminated, if the engine overheats or if foaming is observed in the radiator.Coolant should be drained, the system cleaned and new coolant added every 3000 service hours or two years. When not using Caterpillar Antifreeze and supplemental coolant additive as recommended, the drain period must be shortened to 1500 service hours or one year.Filling at over 20 liters (5 U.S. gallons) per minute can cause air pockets in the cooling system.After draining and refilling the cooling system, operate the engine with the radiator cap removed until the coolant reaches normal operating temperature and the coolant level stabilizes. Add coolant as necessary to fill the system to the proper level.Never operate without a thermostat in the cooling system. Cooling system problems can arise without a thermostat.Refer to Know Your Cooling System, SEBD0518, and Coolant and Your Engine, SEBD0970, for more detailed specifications.Coolant Water
Hard water, or water with high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, encourages the formation of insoluble chemical compounds by combining with cooling system additives such as silicates and phosphates.The tendency of silicates and phosphates to precipitate out-of-solution increases with increasing water hardness. Hard water, or water with high levels of calcium and magnesium ions encourages the formation of insoluble chemicals, especially after a number of heating and cooling cycles.Caterpillar prefers the use of distilled water or deionized water to reduce the potential and severity of chemical insolubility. ppm = parts per millionUsing water that meets the minimum acceptable water requirement may not prevent drop-out of these chemical compounds totally, but should minimize the rate to acceptable levels.Antifreeze
Caterpillar recommends that the coolant mix contain a minimum of 30% Caterpillar Antifreeze, or equivalent and acceptable water to maintain an adequate water pump cavitation temperature for efficient water pump performance. Premix coolant solution to provide protection to the lowest expected outside (ambient) temperature. Pure undiluted antifreeze will freeze at -23°C (-10°F). Only use a greater concentration (above 30%) of Caterpillar Antifreeze as needed for anticipated outside (ambient) temperatures. Do not exceed a coolant mixture of 60% antifreeze to water since a concentration above 60% antifreeze will reduce the engine's freeze protection and increase the possibility of deposit formation in the cooling system.
Use Caterpillar Antifreeze or GM Specification 6038-M Antifreeze. Caterpillar Antifreeze is available through your Caterpillar dealer in quantities that follow. Most commercial antifreezes are formulated for gasoline engine applications and will, therefore, have high silicate content. Caterpillar Antifreeze is formulated with a low silicate content and the proper coolant additives for heavy duty diesel engines.GM Specification 6038-M is a low silicate antifreeze, but supplemental coolant additive must be added.The major advantages of Caterpillar Antifreeze are: * Significantly reduces water pump seal leakage problems caused by excessive concentration of chemical additives.* There is no need to add supplemental coolant additive on initial fill which must be done with current commercially available antifreezes.* High silicate antifreezes used with