2007/01/29 Caterpillar

Coolant Recommendation for 3618 Engines {1350, 1352, 1395}

Usage:

3618 2MW

Engine: 3618 (S/N: 2MW1-UP)

Engine News, SEBD9339, 1 November 2004, "Coolant Recommendation for 3618 Engines". Disregard the article. Refer to the following article.

The only recommended coolant for these engines is a mix of distilled water and Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA). Because of the unique cooling requirements of these engines, the use of Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant or of Extended Life Coolant is not recommended.

Requirements

Caterpillar's S·O·S coolant analysis for 3618 Engines has determined that most of the engines do not meet the minimum recommended guidelines for quality of water and for concentration of SCA. The recommended concentration of SCA is based on the percent of nitrite in the coolant. The heat rejection for the 3618 aftercooler core requires the use of only a mixture of water and SCA. The correct concentration of SCA must be maintained. Failure to meet the recommendations for the cooling system will lead to serious engine problems. These problems include overheating and corrosion that is caused from cavitation in the cylinder block.

Maintenance Recommendations

Use only a mixture of water and SCA as coolant in 3618 Engines.

Distilled water or deionized water is recommended for the initial fill and for makeup water. If distilled water or deionized water is not used, the water must meet the requirements that are listed in Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU7003, "3600 Series and C280 Series Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations".

Use an eight percent concentration of SCA (3200 mg/L) for the initial fill.

Use an eight percent concentration (3200 mg/L) of SCA to refill the cooling system after the system has been drained and flushed.

Check the concentration of SCA with the 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit. Follow the instructions that are included with the test kit. The instructions include recommendations for the addition of SCA per a percentage of the cooling system's total volume. Maintain the recommended concentration of nitrite in the coolant.

Every 250 service hours or every month, obtain an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 2).

When using a mixture of Caterpillar SCA and water, replace the coolant every 8000 service hours or every two years.

When using commercial SCA, replace the coolant every year.