Coolant Types

[HUMPH]

I am currently running CAT ELC (Extended Life Coolant) and was wondering if it is a real requirement to not mix with a different ELC from another manufacturer? I was hoping I could use Shell Rotella, Delo ELC or Texaco XLI (since Texaco makes CAT's ELC). As long as the color is consistant is there any issue mixing these?

 

[fwebster]

Don't save dimes that will cost you dollars later.............

Caterpillar ELC (pink part # 101-2844) is prediluted and has all the correct additives for Cat engines and those additives will not be in other brands. At year 3 you can buy a bottle of Cat ELC Extender (Cat part #119-5152) that replenishes the additives and extends the life of the coolant another 3 years. The other advantage is that when you change the coolant at year 6, you only need to flush the engine with fresh water.....no acid cleanser or flush is needed. Caterpillar isn't lying when they say extended life. If you use or dilute with other brands, you will have to check the SCA in your coolant every year and replenish annually as needed. With ELC, you put a bottle of extender in at year 3 and change the coolant at year 6. Other than having to find a Cat dealer, there isn't much cost difference for the coolant itself so the advantages of Cat's coolant far out weight the inconvenience of going to a Cat dealer every 3 years.

 

[HUMPH]

Don't save dimes that will cost you dollars later.............

Caterpillar ELC (pink part # 101-2844) is prediluted and has all the correct additives for Cat engines and those additives will not be in other brands. At year 3 you can buy a bottle of Cat ELC Extender (Cat part #119-5152) that replenishes the additives and extends the life of the coolant another 3 years. The other advantage is that when you change the coolant at year 6, you only need to flush the engine with fresh water.....no acid cleanser or flush is needed. Caterpillar isn't lying when they say extended life. If you use or dilute with other brands, you will have to check the SCA in your coolant every year and replenish annually as needed. With ELC, you put a bottle of extender in at year 3 and change the coolant at year 6. Other than having to find a Cat dealer, there isn't much cost difference for the coolant itself so the advantages of Cat's coolant far out weight the inconvenience of going to a Cat dealer every 3 years.

Thanks again for the information Frank! I was hoping there was a comparable item on the market but it's no problem for me to get CAT coolant. I had to refill my old coolant since they were out of stock on ELC and I wanted to top off. I will drain and replace later on this year. Is there an easy way to fill that you have found other than the painfully slow task of filling through a small funnel? That was the most time consuming part of the heat exchanger removal & replacement. i did start the engines once a decent amount was in the block and it seemed to go faster.