Cummins 903 manufacturer antifreeze recommendation

[REBrueckner]

Anybody have the current Cummins recommendation for 1976 VTA903M engine antifreeze?
And what coolant filter/additive cannister is recommended?

Is the recommended antifreeze DCA 2 or DCA 4? It has to meet spec ASTM D-6210 specification [like Detroits].

These have wet sleeved cylinder liners like the 53 and 92 series Detroits and so must have cavitation protection. That means a HEAVY DUTY DIESEL antifreeze with nitrite additives as a minimum.

For those interested I found the following online from Fleetguard, a Cummins company:

•
• Type 2: Fully formulated antifreeze is strongly preferred (ASTM D-6210 specification). Examples include FleetCharge®, Fleetguard Compleat®, Houghton’s MacGuard 2792®, Prestone® Heavy Duty, Quaker State, and all of the engine companies’ brands (Cat, Cummins, Detroit Diesel Corp., Mack). Mix the antifreeze with water at 50% each. Then maintain with SCAs as recommended by the engine manufacturer (general guidelines follow).



Fleetguard is a Cummins Filtration brand name.

Cummins has a dry type chemical additive (DCA) for engines. They will also sell you a kit to read the coolant like a chemist and decide how much more DCA to add.


TEST STRIPS DCA2 and DCA4
https://www.cumminsfiltration.com/pdfs/product_lit/americas_brochures/LT15626.pdf

SCAs can be used to inhibit the cooling system with added protection against corrosion and other damage. Cummins Filtration offers two liquid formulas, including:
• DCA2:Standard Corrosion Protection Using Borate/Nitrite Based Inhibitor Package
• DCA4:Superior Liner Pitting, Scale & Corrosion Protection Using Phosphate/Molybdate Based Inhibitor Package
SCAs can also be delivered to the cooling system by coolant filtration.

DCA2 Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) provides superior engine protection in heavy duty diesel applications where glycol based coolants are used, as well as marine and railroad diesel applications where water is used as the coolant. DCA2 SCA contains Nitrite for liner pitting protection and Borate for acid protection.
• Provides Diesel Line Pitting Protection
• Provides Engine Metal Corrosion Protection
• Mixes Easily with Standard Low Silicate Antifreeze
DCA4 Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) provides superior engine protection in heavy duty diesel applications where glycol based coolants are used, as well as marine and railroad diesel applications where water is used as the coolant. DCA4 is less toxic and, as a result, is preferred by those concerned about skin sensitivity and coolant spills or disposal. DCA4 contains Nitrite and Molybdate for liner pitting protection and phosphate for acid protection.
• Provides Improved Cylinder Liner Pitting Protection
• Provides Improved Aluminum and Solder Protection
• Less Tendency to Form Gel in Cooling System
• Improved Tolerance to SCA Under- or Over-charging
• Phosphate Buffers Are Less Likely to Cause Water Pump Leakage
• Less Toxic Than Borate/Nitrite Inhibitors

 

[sgharford]

Hi Rob,

I have same year 903's. Local truck diesel repair shop told me to use this:
http://www.petroleumservicecompany....nnelid=FROOG&gclid=CJPE8J79_MICFfEF7AoduEkAvQ

The 'filters' actually contain bromide (salt) and the different numbers on the canisters indicate how much salt they will add to solution at a given flow if I'm not mistaken. There is a gate valve to filter that you can use to regulate bypass that goes to filter. Again, I took parts counter guy's advice at diesel repair shop and he gave me a Donaldson filter with what he recommended (can't remember the number on it). They've been in business in town for about 50 years, so I figure they've been there and seen it compared with a newer place of business.

I have not used the test strips - bought some a long time ago off the shelf and turned out they were expired. I really should as I don't know if I'm meeting specs with above, and therefore my advice should be taken with caution. Happy New Year - Scott.