I need to change out the coolant in my 3208 CAT's which have done quite well with Dexcool in the last 5 years. I'm not sure that something else would work better. Dexcool was (or still is) a GM product with ethylene glycol. Prestone's "Dexcool", when you call Autozone or Advance Auto, does not say on the container what it's made of (so says clerks I talked with - I will verify in person). Shell's Rotella ELC coolant is an ethylene glycol based coolant (per web page). Question: Should I go back in with the Shell Rotella ELC coolant or is there something else better for my engines that I should be using?
Other points: I will also be flushing the engines with a recommended engine detergent.
I read somewhere that Dexcool is a "low volum" fluid and can leak through old gaskets. I suspect that there is some truth to this in light of a the few drops that have turned up (rarely) in my bilge over the years.
Oh, even a well known S.C. CAT dealership parts guy could not give me a straight answer as to what the hell is in their coolant!! As Yachtsmanbill once said: "EXCELLENT, DUDE !!! Trust the parts guy with WHITE HAIR !!!"
Responses are deeply appreciated.
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Thread: Proper coolant for 3208 CATs
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06-16-2009 10:44 AM #1
Proper coolant for 3208 CATs
Capt'n Bill
"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, But people will never forget how you made them feel."
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06-16-2009 11:02 AM #2
Re: Proper coolant for 3208 CATs
Sounds like the parts guy does not know.
Scott
41C117 "Hattatude"
Port Canaveral
I have no idea what the last poster is saying. I don't think he does either.
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06-16-2009 11:15 AM #3
Re: Proper coolant for 3208 CATs
I researched this before changing coolant this winter. I looked at a lot of posts over on the boatdiesel forum. The concensus was to use regular CAT coolant, not the ELC version, due to the leakage problem you mention. I just bought it from my CAT dealer. It was $14.26/gallon. It already has the nitrites in it so you don't need to add anything.
Looking for another boat...not a Hatt
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06-16-2009 10:12 PM #4
Re: Proper coolant for 3208 CATs
I have been using the Cat DEAC (Deisel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant) and distilled water for 7 Years with no problems. I did change coolant at least once in that time for other reasons.
I would not use the Cat ELC. It is more expensive and not really necessary in a 3208. Just keep up with the SCAs and you should be good to go.
The last time I ordered it the part number for a gallon container was 8C3684.
Blaine
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06-17-2009 07:59 AM #5
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06-17-2009 11:21 AM #6
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06-17-2009 12:38 PM #7
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06-17-2009 06:42 PM #8