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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on October 17, 2021, 06:50:58 AM

Title: Engine Coolant?
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on October 17, 2021, 06:50:58 AM
What is everyone using for Coolant for your bus engine?  What are you using for water; distilled or tap water?  Are you buying pre-mixed coolant or mixing your own with water.   Are you adding any additives, if so what?  What color coolant are you using?

It seems everyone, even diesel mechanics have different ideas about this.

Edit: Also, is there a difference between antifreeze used in gas engines vs. what is used in diesel engines?
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: Bill Gerrie on October 17, 2021, 07:08:07 AM
I have always bought DD Power cool comcentrate and use only distilled water with it. I have seen the results of cavitation where a hole was actually through the liner just like somebody had drilled it. My 6V92TA has wet liners so I don't want to risk having a cavitation issue. There price is competitive with other high quality antifreeze.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: lostagain on October 17, 2021, 07:27:49 AM
6V92 (wet sleeves). DD Powercool mixed 50/50 with RO water. It doesn't have to be distilled, like in batteries. Water filter with DDA additives. Test once a year for PH balance and proper concentration of additives.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: Jim Blackwood on October 17, 2021, 07:44:32 AM
That cavitation problem is a real thing. My brother had it happen on his S60. I think it was his first real maintenance issue after buying it new.

Jim
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: luvrbus on October 17, 2021, 08:02:48 AM
OWI,OAT, NOAT take your choice as long as it is Ethylene Glycol based OWI is usually purple OAT and Noat can be green or pink.OAT is more friendly for the environment it has no Nitrites,non Slicate so no drop out and no phosphate OAT is (organic acid technology) so you don't waste money on chemicals. Sometimes you save money with the 50.50 mix.The distilled water thing I don't use R/O water works for me too.Series 60 engine are a true wet liner engine not like the old 92 series that are just wet on the top for piston cooling so cavitation can be a problem. just buy a good HEAVY Duty not the green cheap stuff from Walmart or Autozone fwiw Cummins has had the best antifreeze for 40 years for 4 stroke engine they made their own.The Alliance the Freightliner house brand is the same antifreeze as the PowerCool sold by Detroit except it only comes in the green color now they stopped the OWI color both are made by Zerex     
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: Melbo on October 17, 2021, 05:02:27 PM
I use shell rotella ELC and distilled water.  I don't know that it is better or worse than anything else but it is RED.

Melbo
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: chessie4905 on October 17, 2021, 05:23:26 PM
Walmart sells a house brand coolant now that meets the specifications for heavy Duty diesels.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: luvrbus on October 17, 2021, 06:21:53 PM
Quote from: chessie4905 on October 17, 2021, 05:23:26 PM
Walmart sells a house brand coolant now that meets the specifications for heavy Duty diesels.

Gotta be careful with W/M brand antifreeze some is recycled
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on October 18, 2021, 03:17:25 AM

Peak Global OAT >>>Dan
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: sledhead on October 18, 2021, 05:49:28 AM
prestone heavy duty nitrite free extended life ( oat )

https://prestonecommand.com/products/heavy-duty-antifreeze-coolant/heavy-duty-nitrite-free-extended-life/

dave
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: chessie4905 on October 18, 2021, 05:50:27 AM
I believe if recycled, would have to be listed on container, unless if it comes from China.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: belfert on October 21, 2021, 01:50:40 PM
I use the Zerex Heavy Duty Extended Life antifreeze/coolant (concentrate not 50/50).  Part number ZXED1

NAPA has it as a monthly special this month for $12.99 normally $23.49.  I was thinking I would need to pay $23.49 and was happy to see the $12.99 price when I went to order a few days later.  I ordered a full case of six at that price even though I only needed three or four.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: dtcerrato on October 21, 2021, 04:17:12 PM
Extended life Prestone off any shelf for 42 years w/o issue. Run additive in bypass filter. 70% concentrate for -60F in case we leave it in AK at summer's end...
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: luvrbus on October 21, 2021, 04:23:24 PM
Quote from: dtcerrato on October 21, 2021, 04:17:12 PM
Extended life Prestone off any shelf for 42 years w/o issue. Run additive in bypass filter. 70% concentrate for -60F in case we leave it in AK at summer's end...

The old 71 series gets by on about any type antifreeze,the series 60 is a different animal,I know this guy that has never used anything but the cheap antifreeze from W/M in his 6-71 for 20 years lol i keep telling him for 15 years that antifreeze is not good for his engine   
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: tr206 on October 21, 2021, 05:20:57 PM
I use Final charge in my 7.3's and 8v92.

https://www.owi.com/commercial/resources/knowledge-center/videos

https://www.sinclairoil.com/sites/default/files/PEAK%20FINAL%20CHARGE%2050-50.pdf
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: luvrbus on October 21, 2021, 06:07:55 PM
Today with different type metals in engines and the cooling system components with different materials it takes special antifreezes kinda sucks but that what it is you have anti freeze for American cars and Asian cars now     
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: tr206 on October 22, 2021, 04:24:18 AM
Speaking of different coolants work got a Gehl skid steer in with a oil cooled Deutz diesel.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: dtcerrato on October 22, 2021, 05:58:54 AM
I got an antique articulating loader with an air cooled Hatz diesel.
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: chessie4905 on October 22, 2021, 07:31:55 AM
Walmart brand. Check label specs.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Prediluted-50-50-Heavy-Duty-Extended-Life-Antifreeze-Coolant-1-Gallon/991307222
Title: Re: Engine Coolant?
Post by: chessie4905 on October 22, 2021, 07:33:33 AM
Walmart brand. Check label specs.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Prediluted-50-50-Heavy-Duty-Extended-Life-Antifreeze-Coolant-1-Gallon/991307222