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. |
Note: Caterpillar recommends an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1).
Test the Concentration of the SCA
Coolant/Antifreeze and SCA
NOTICE |
---|
Do not exceed the recommended six percent supplemental coolant additive concentration. |
Test the concentration of the SCA with the 8T-5296 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit. Follow the instructions that are provided in the kit.
Water and SCA
NOTICE |
---|
Do not exceed the recommended eight percent supplemental coolant additive concentration. |
Test the concentration of the SCA with the 8T-5296 Coolant Conditioner Test Kit. Use the instructions that follow:
- Fill the syringe to the "1.0 ml" mark with the coolant.
- Dispense the 1.0 mL coolant sample from the syringe into the empty mixing bottle.
- Add tap water to the mixing bottle in order to bring the level up to the "10 ml" mark. Place the cap on the bottle and shake the bottle.
- Add 2 to 3 drops of the "NITRITE INDICATOR SOLUTION B" to the mixing bottle. Move the bottle in a circular motion in order to mix the solution.
- Add one drop of "NITRITE TEST SOLUTION A" to the mixing bottle. Move the bottle in a circular motion in order to mix the solution.
- Repeat 5 until the solution changes color from red to light gray, green, or blue. Record the number of drops of "NITRITE TEST SOLUTION A" that were required to cause the color change.
- Use Table 1 to interpret the results.
Show/hide table
Table 1 Number of Drops     Concentration of SCA     Maintenance
Required    Less than 25     Less than the recommended concentration of SCA     Add SCA.
Retest the coolant.    25 to 30     The recommended concentration of SCA     None     More than 30     More than the recommended concentration of SCA     Remove the coolant.
Replace with water only
Retest the coolant.    
Add the SCA, If Necessary
Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns. To open the cooling system filler cap, stop the engine and wait until the cooling system components are cool. Loosen the cooling system pressure cap slowly in order to relieve the pressure. |
- Remove the cooling system filler cap slowly.
- If necessary, drain some coolant in order to allow space for the addition of the SCA.
Note: Always dispose of fluids according to local regulations.
- Add the proper amount of SCA. The concentration of the SCA depends on the type of coolant that is used. To determine the proper amount, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Fluid Recommendations" topic.
NOTICE |
---|
Excessive supplemental coolant additive concentration can form deposits on the higher temperature surfaces of the cooling system, reducing the engine's heat transfer characteristics. Reduced heat transfer could cause cracking of the cylinder head and other high temperature components. Excessive supplemental coolant additive concentration could also result in blockage of the heat exchanger, overheating, and/or accelerated wear of the water pump seal. Do not exceed the recommended amount of supplemental coolant additive concentration. |
- Clean the cooling system filler cap. Install the cooling system filler cap.