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Application Engineering Bulletin: Automotive Industrial Marine G-Drive Genset Powergen Antifreeze in Warm Climates
Application Engineering Bulletin: Automotive Industrial Marine G-Drive Genset Powergen Antifreeze in Warm Climates
Engineering
Bulletin
Subject This AEB is for the following applications:
Basics
Antifreeze (fully formulated) typically referred as being in concentrated formulation with balanced amounts of
anitfreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol), Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA), buffering compounds
and does not contain 50% water.
Coolant (fully formulated) contains balanced amounts of antifreeze, SCA, buffering compounds and is premixed
with deionized water. A fully formulated coolant has built in corrosion inhibitors and buffering compounds to
provide protection against liner pitting, corrosion, and scale formation.
Anti-freeze or coolant is required in all Cummins engines regardless whether these operate in cold or warm
climates. Coolant not only serves the purpose of removing heat energy from engine that is not converted into
mechanical energy, but is also prevents corrosion of internal components. Anti-freeze or coolant is used in all
Cummins engines should be of a fully formulated type and should meet Cummins Engineering Standard 14603.
Benefit
Utilizing a fully formulated coolant simplifies the cooling system maintenance at initial fillup and during routine
topoff. A premix solution will reduce operator error by eliminating:
Need to mix and retest for concentration of SCA. Overdose may lead to silicate gelation, underdose will
lead to liner pitting and scale formation.
Ensuring water added is of good quality; in very remote areas this might be difficult to access
Treatment
In temperate climates where temperatures might not approach freezing point coolant may consist of water and
supplemental coolant additive (SCA). Care must be taken to ensure the water is of known quality. Water may
Cummins Confidential
AEB 202.02
Page 2 of 3
not be well water, river water, rain water, or tap water, it should be purified (distilled or deionized), filtered and
not contain contaminants commonly found in tap water such as minerals or chlorine.
Proper concetration of SCA can be tested by using Fleetguard® Three-WayTM heavy duty coolant testing kit.
Concentration
Initial fillup of cooling system should consist of Cummins premixed coolant or a mixture of 50/50 Cummins fully
formulated antifreeze and good quality water Good quality water meets the following guidelines.
Water Quality
It is important to note that antifreeze broadens the operating temperature range of coolant by raising its boiling
point. Coolant with a 50/50 concentration will raise the boiling point to 110o C (228o F). Overconcentration of
antifreeze will increase possibiltiy of silicate gel problem.
Cooling system should be topped off using a fully formulated pre-mixed coolant which meet the Cummins
Engineering Standard 14603. Care should be exercised not to overtreat the coolant with SCA beyond the
recommended 1.3 units/liter (5.0 units/ gal), if between 0.3 and 1.3 units/liter (1.2 and 5.0 units/gal) replenish the
SCA. SCA levels can be increased by SCAs or by using a coolant filter that contains SCAs.
Underconcentration on SCAs can result in pitting, corrosion and scale deposits.
If a Cummins fully formulated coolant is not available replacement coolants such as Chevron, Texaco, Shell
Rotella or their private labels be be used, but this coolant must be treated by adding 0.24 liter (8 oz) of silicate
fluid per 45 liters (12 gal) of total coolant system volum
Monitoring
Testing interval of engine coolant for SCA and antifreeze concentration should be carried out according to
specified intervals in owner manual. Typically this will be:
SCA concentration can be checked using Test Strip Kits; antifreeze concentration can be measured using a
refractometer. Avoid using a float type
AEB 202.02
Page 3 of 3
Periodic testing of the cooling water system should include:
PH
Reserve alkalinity
Glycol/glycerin weight %
Corrosion inhibitor content
Contaminants (chloride, sulfate, calcium carbonate, etc.)
Replacement of coolant should be carried out when the following limits are exceeded.
Cautionary steps
Lack of proper monitoring of coolant quality and recharging with appropriate chemicals will lead to:
Corrosion, general corrosion will displace metal that can damage seals on pumps
Use caution when handling used antifreeze and dispose of it according to local municipal regulations.
Prior to emptying or servicing the cooling system make certain that heaters are de-energized and won’t function
while system is empty.
Change Log
Date Author Description Page(s)
12/02/08 Ismael Chang New document