SUPPORT AS 7T3359 - Caterpillar

Adding coolant to an overheated engine could result in damage to the engine. Allow the engine to cool before adding coolant.If the machine is to be stored in, or shipped to, an area with freezing temperatures, the cooling system must be protected to the lowest outside (ambient) temperature.The engine cooling system is normally protected to a minimum of −29°C (−20°F) with Caterpillar Antifreeze, when shipped from the factory unless special requirements are defined.
Frequently check the specific gravity of the coolant to ensure proper freeze protection and anti-boil protection.
Never use water alone as a coolant. Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures and does not provide adequate anti-boil protection.
All Caterpillar diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) require a minimum of 30 percent glycol to prevent water pump cavitation.
Extended Life Coolant (ELC) is used at the factory for the PL87 Pipelayer .Reference: Refer to Service Manual, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations", "Cat Extended Life Coolant (ELC)". See the section “ELC Cooling System Maintenance” in order to maintain your cooling system. However, maintaining an ELC cooling system is preferred. Also, see the topics“Coolant Recommendations” and “S O S Coolant Analysis”.The following problems may indicate a need to check the cooling system:
Engine overheating
A strong, unusual odor from the coolant
Contamination of the cooling system
A change in the color of the coolant
Foaming within the radiatorAir pockets can form in the cooling system if the cooling system is filled at a rate that is greater than 20 L (5 US gal ) per minute.After you drain the cooling system and after you refill the cooling system, operate the engine. Operate the engine without the radiator cap until the coolant reaches normal operating temperature and the coolant level stabilizes. Make sure that the coolant is maintained to the proper level.
Never operate an engine without water temperature regulators in the cooling system. Water temperature regulators help to maintain the engine coolant at the proper operating temperature. Cooling system problems can develop without water temperature regulators.
For more detailed information, refer to the following publication: Special Publication, REHS1063, "Special Instruction - Know Your Track-Type Tractor Cooling System".Many engine failures are related to the cooling system. Cooling system failures include the following problems: overheating, leakage of the water pump, plugged radiators and cylinder liner pitting. These failures could be avoided with proper cooling system maintenance. Maintenance of the engine coolant is important to the engine life and to the performance. Maintaining the quality of the engine coolant is as important as maintaining the quality of the engine fuel and lubricating oil.Coolant is normally composed of three elements:
Water is used for transferring heat from the engine to the atmosphere.
Additives are used for corrosion protection.
Glycol is used for anti-boil protection and antifreeze protection.