Recommended Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
The use of SCA helps to prevent the following conditions from occurring:
- Corrosion
- Formation of mineral deposits
- Cavitation erosion of the cylinder liners
- Foaming of the coolant
Preferred - Cat Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
Acceptable - A commercial SCA that provides 1400 mg/L (82 gr per US gal) or 1400 ppm of nitrites in the final mixture of coolant/antifreeze
Note: A 50/50 concentration of Cat NGEC or of Cat DEAC does not require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" or "ASTM D4985" specifications may require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Read the label or the instructions that are provided by the OEM of the product.
Commercial SCAs, as a group, are second choice additives.
To ensure that the correct amount of SCA is in the cooling system, the concentration of SCA must be tested on a scheduled basis. Obtain an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1) or use a test kit to check the concentration of the SCA according to the engine Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Maintenance Interval Schedule".
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Cooling system coolant additive contains alkali. To help prevent personal injury, avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Do not drink cooling system coolant additive. |
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Coolant/Antifreeze and SCA
Note: Mixtures of glycol and water require a lower concentration of SCA than mixtures of only water and SCA. Mixtures of glycol and water require 3 to 6 percent of SCA.
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Do not exceed the recommended six percent supplemental coolant additive concentration. |
Test the concentration of the SCA with an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1) or with the 4C-9301 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit .
Instructions are provided with the 4C-9301 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit .
Note: Cat SCA has a nitrite base. Many commercial types of SCA have a base of phosphate that cannot be checked with a Caterpillar test kit. If a commercial SCA is used, follow the recommendations for testing that are provided by the OEM of the product.
If a commercial SCA is used, the final mixture of coolant/antifreeze must have 1400 mg/L (82 gr per US gal) or 1400 ppm of nitrites.
Maintain a concentration level of nitrites in the cooling system that is between 1200 mg/L (70 gr per US gal) and 2400 mg/L (140 gr per US gal).
Water and SCA
A cooling system that uses a mixture of water and SCA requires more SCA than a cooling system that uses a mixture of glycol and water. The mixture of water and SCA requires 6 to 8 percent of SCA.
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Do not exceed the recommended eight percent supplemental coolant additive concentration. |
Test the concentration of SCA with an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1) or with the 4C-9301 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit . Follow the instructions that come with the kit, including the addition of SCA if needed.
Excessive Concentrations of SCA
An excessive concentration of SCA can result in the formation of deposits.
If the concentration of SCA is greater than the recommended level, drain some of the coolant/antifreeze. Refill the cooling system with water and operate the engine in order to dilute the mixture. Then, test the concentration again. Repeat this process until the concentration is acceptable.