6-71, add nitrates to antifreeze?

[John Z]

The snow we had on Friday and recent cold temps has me out getting the bus ready for winter..
My manual (4104) says to use any ethylene glycol antifreeze formulated for automotive use. My question - do any of you add nitrates?

[luvrbus]

Buya good heavy duty antifreeze nothing needed for a while buy at WM,AutoZone or the green people auto parts all bets are off 

[John Z]

Thanks Cliff. How long does the good stuff last? I didn't know there was much difference in them.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

The Zerex Extended Life is good for 3 years, 300,000 miles or 7000 hours on the initial fill. If you use the Zerex extender at 300,000 miles or 6000 hours you double everything to 6, 600,000, and 14,000. It is not green though.....it is pink.

[luvrbus]

The Alliance brand sold at FreightLiner is green or pink just chose your color now for the water pay no attention to what DD says for water in that old engine "good drinkable water ditch water is not recommended"  I didn't make that up it's in the book and fwiw I never buy distilled water may R/O for $,20 cents a gal

[opus]

I wouldnt add nitrates til you do a coolant test.

[akroyaleagle]

I agree with the other guys. Buy decent coolant.

My coach came with a screw on coolant filter that is supposed to release nitrates and conditioners automatically. I don't know how it works, but I buy test strips occassionally and test the coolant. It has always tested good.

[chessie4905]

   If cost is an issue for now, you can add Nalcool. Keep in mind that you still need antifreeze. I hope it hasn't been running with just water.

[luvrbus]

John, most people run the antifreeze for about 5 to 7 years just use test strips once a year and balance it out, it's not like you are running a modern 4 stroke where it's so critical to protect the liners,the stuff WM sells is a PITA to keep in balance fwiw   

[John Z]

Nope, not just water. A couple years ago I replaced a few short pieces of hose along the bulkhead behind the engine. They are behind the heat shield and only accessible thru the hatch, which is under the bed. Kind of a pita to get to. I used silicone hose and one of the clamps started to leak. I had just been adding water this summer. I tightened the clamp and am just bringing the freeze protection back to -45 or so. A mechanic had mentioned the pitting and that got me concerned. Cliff, can you mention a brand of test strips and additive that you trust. I read of one test where pure distilled water gave protection down to 10 degrees?

[luvrbus]

I use the Robinair 3 test myself the problem is they come 50 to a bottle for 50 bucks any truck supply or Napa should sell you individual strips   

[eagle19952]

i have had a hard time finding individuals.... with all you do Clifford, you should start a test strip marketing venture 

ps
am almost out, should have kept the whole bottle my employer gave me when i was working....

[luvrbus]

Lets buy a bottle and split into 10 ways the dumb things expire before you can use a bottle up

[akroyaleagle]

I'm in Clifford.

Most of mine expire also.

[John Z]

Great idea Cliff! Count me in also.