Proper coolant system maintenance can greatly reduce headaches associated with 40 percent of maintenance failures. The basic coolant maintenance process begins with implementing some very basic checks that can be completed in about 30 seconds when inspecting anything in the engine compartment.
Dan Holdmeyer
In the October issue of Waste Advantage Magazine, we first began discussing maintaining coolant systems and fluid levels. This article will continue that discussion with extending the life of your coolant and additional maintenance checks you may need.
Extended Life
It is important to annually ensure the additive level is adequate for continued protection.
You can do this by replenishing at the manufacturer’s recommended interval of 6,000 to 10,000 hours (300,000 to 500,000 miles) with a liquid extender addition. Some manufacturers of extended life coolant have a simple field test which takes about 2 minutes as an alternative to laboratory testing. For some extended life coolants the nitrite level can also be tested; second level of protection. Extended life coolants do not require the use of a water filter and never need SCA additions
It is acceptable to add a blank water filter or one without any SCAs to an extended life system, although it is not necessary. When topping up, it is important to use the same extended life coolant brand to ensure the technology is the same and the service life is the same.
Mixing of coolants
While the products will all mix together fine, mixing will dilute the intended protection levels. Therefore, presume the base fluid in the mixed fluids are the same—EG/EG or PG/PG. If you mix EG and PG based coolants, the results will yield a faulty freeze point. Mixing up to 15 percent, some say up to 25 percent, is acceptable but beyond that the mixed product may not provide enough system protection. Corrective action should be scheduled to correct this dilution at the earliest convenience to maximize cooling system protection.
Service Life
The service life of fully formulated and extended life coolants should be checked as well as they differ significantly. Fully Formulated coolant is two years or 225,000 to 250,000 miles/4,500 to 5,000 hours, depending on the duty cycle and assuming SCAs are added as needed (250hr). Extended life coolant is typically six years or 600,000 miles/12,000 hours. If the coolant in the system exceeds these levels then the coolant should be replaced. A cooling system will handle about 10 doses of SCAs before the system is to high in TDS.
Additional Inspections
Clearly a coolant system check would not be complete without inspecting the components of the system. This includes:
- Checking the hosing and conduits for abrasion, worn and corroded areas
- Verifying that the thermostat is still performing as specified
- Ensuring that the belt tension, if applicable, is correct
- Pressure testing the coolant cap and cooling system
- Inspecting for leaking coolant at joints and hardware components
- Double-checking that the system is topped off properly and then release back to service
Proper coolant system maintenance can greatly reduce headaches associated with 40 percent of maintenance failures. As outlined in this two-part article on basic coolant maintenance, the process begins with implementing some very basic checks that can be completed in about 30 seconds when inspecting anything in the engine compartment. If you haven’t already, use these articles to be the basis of your new cooling system management plan.
Dan Holdmeyer is Industrial & Coolants Brands Manager, STLE CLS and OMA I Certified, of North America Lubricants for Chevron Products Company (Louisville, KY). Chevron is a world leader in coolant technology with commercial sales and OEM relationships that span the globe. Dan can be reached at (440) 708-8860 or via e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.chevronlubricants.com.