CAT ELC vs. Rotella ELC

ttmott

PhD in OCD
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TECHNICAL Contributor
Apr 3, 2012
8,022
Space Coast Florida
Boat Info
2006 52 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins QSM11
Having difficulty getting Caterpillar EC-1 Extended Life Coolant in this area.
Rotella ELC and Rotella Ultra ELC claim compatibility with Cat's EC-1 specification.

I'm not changing the fluid but I need a couple of extra gallons to keep on board.
Any info on compatibility?

Probably a Frank Webster question....
 
I can't speak to the difference, I only use the CAT product. However, whether dictated by science or myth, I also never mix two coolant brands. The idea being that chemistry my not be 100% compatible.In an emergency water works too.
 
I can't speak to the difference, I only use the CAT product. However, whether dictated by science or myth, I also never mix two coolant brands. The idea being that chemistry my not be 100% compatible.In an emergency water works too.

Agree. I would be scared to death of a Dexcool disaster....Quantifiable or not in this case, I'd still be very afraid. I'd go the emergency water route as mentioned then when you do a fluid change, go with what ever is available.

Have you checked Amazon?
 
It is ok to mix if you have to but the important thing to remember is to not mix type of antifreeze, not brands. Dexcool, ethylene glycol and the green propylene glycol should never be mixed and when changing from one to the other the system needs to be flushed to avoid sludging of the coolant. As far as mixing Rotella and Cat, I don't know but I am sure if you read on the container it will tell you type of AF it contains.
 
It is ok to mix if you have to but the important thing to remember is to not mix type of antifreeze, not brands.....................


That is not quite correct.

Other coolants will prevent freezing but Cat ELC is a pre-diluted coolant that has a special additive package that allows an extended life and freedom from checking SCA's every year. The life of ELC is 5 years + an additional 3 years if you add an extender. The Rotella product just meets Caterpillar minimum requirements.

If you have to change to something else, then Caterpillar DEAC part number 339-3768 is what Cat recommends. It is a branded Cat coolant that is not pre-diluted and requires regular checking for SCA levels and fluid analyses.

Anything you choose, either for make up or replacement, other than Cat ELC is going to require SCA's and regular maintenance for SCA levels. Personally, I really enjoy the freedom ELC give me from SCA's coolant fluid analysis, etc. I just change the coolant every 5 years and don't have to worry if I have the right chemistry in the engines.
 
TT - my CAT dealer orders any item that I need that he does not have in stock. He even orders them as "stock items" so I don't have to pay any shipping. He gets them all within two days. Are you saying there is no CAT dealer in your area? I'm certainly fortunate to have Stowers CAT across the street from my marina, and they have treated me like a valued customer, even though I am probably their smallest value customer...
 
Ringpower is the dealer in our area. My mechanic gets parts and materials from them. He is having issues getting me spare ELC. I'm gearing up for the Abacos next month and would like to have fluid on board. There are no "internet" sources that I can find for the CAT ELC. I guess I could get good with DI water if had to.
Frank - when we changed a couple of years ago with Cat ELC the extender was added. So have quite a few years left with the existing. I don't want to chance messing up a good thing - It's rather costly to change coolant and would rather spare with the right stuff.
 
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…and they also sell DCA/SCA in a bottle you can add to coolant OR pre-charged in coolant filters (if you are so equipped) so in the event you can't find CAT coolant you can use the 'other brand' that is accredited and add the SCA/DCA if needed. Because something is better than nothing.
 

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