In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No. 1-D or No. 2-D in "ASTM D975" generally meet the specifications. These fuels are distilled from crude oil. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.
Use fuel that meets or exceeds Caterpillar requirements for distillate diesel fuel. Refer to the “Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel” table in the Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to diesel fuel.
Filter the fuel coming into the bulk storage fuel tank to 20 microns(c) absolute or less.
Install and properly maintain four micron(c) absolute breather filters on both the engine fuel tank vent and on the bulk storage fuel tank vent. Desiccant type breather vent filters are also recommended in order to remove moisture from air entering the fuel tank. Breather filters are typically changed every six months, and desiccant type breather filters are typically changed on saturation. Refer to the literature that was included with the filter.
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Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM "D3306" specification. This type of coolant/antifreeze is made for light duty automotive applications. Use only the coolant/antifreeze that is recommended. |
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Never add coolant to an overheated engine. Engine damage could result. Allow the engine to cool first. |
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Frequently check the specific gravity of the coolant for proper freeze protection or for anti-boil protection. |
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Never operate an engine without water temperature regulators in the cooling system. Water temperature regulators help to maintain the engine coolant at the proper operating temperature. Cooling system problems can develop without water temperature regulators. |
The following two types of coolants may be used in Caterpillar diesel engines:
Preferred - Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) or a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 (Engine Coolant -1) specification
Acceptable - Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant) or a commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets "ASTM D4985" or "ASTM D6210" specifications
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Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM "D3306" specification. This type of coolant/antifreeze is made for light duty automotive applications. Use only the coolant/antifreeze that is recommended. |
Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of properly inhibited distilled or deionized water and glycol. This mixture will provide optimum heavy-duty performance as a coolant/antifreeze.
Note: Cat DEAC does not require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. However, a commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that only meets the "ASTM D4985" specification WILL require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. A commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets the "ASTM D6210" specification WILL NOT require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Read the label or the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer of the commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze.
Note: These coolants WILL require a treatment with a supplemental coolant additive on a maintenance basis.
In stationary engine applications and marine engine applications that do not require protection from boiling or freezing, a mixture of SCA and water is acceptable. Caterpillar recommends a minimum of six percent to a maximum of eight percent concentration of Cat SCA in those cooling systems. Distilled water or deionized water is preferred. If distilled or deionized water is not available, use water that meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable water requirements that are listed in this Special Publication, "General Coolant Information" article (Maintenance Section).
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All Caterpillar diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) require a minimum of 30 percent glycol to prevent water pump cavitation. |
| Coolant Service Life | |
| Coolant Type | Service Life (1)(2) |
| Cat ELC | 12000 Service Hours or Six Years(3) |
| Commercial coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 Specification | 6000 Service Hours or Six Years(4) |
| Cat DEAC | 3000 Service Hours or Three Years |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
| Cat SCA(5) and water(6) | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
| Commercial supplemental coolant additive(7) and water(6) | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
| (1) | Use the interval that occurs first. |
| (2) | Refer to the engine's Operation and Maintenance Manuals, "Maintenance Interval Schedule" for the correct interval for replacement of the cooling system water temperature regulator. |
| (3) | Cat ELC Extender must be added at 6000 service hours or one half of the service life of the Cat ELC. |
| (4) | An extender must be added at 3000 service hours or one half of the service life of the coolant. |
| (5) | The concentration of Cat SCA in a cooling system that uses Cat SCA and water should be from 6 to 8 percent by volume. |
| (6) | Refer to this Special Publication, "General Coolant Information" under the section that discusses the requirements for water. |
| (7) | Consult the supplier for the commercial SCA for instructions on usage. Also, refer to this Special Publication, "Water/Supplemental Coolant Additive" topic for additional information. |
Note: These coolant change intervals are only achievable with annual S·O·S Services Level 2 coolant sampling and analysis.
Cat ELC can be recycled into conventional coolants.
S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis
Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and freezing. S·O·S coolant analysis can be done at your Caterpillar dealer. Caterpillar S·O·S coolant analysis is the best way to monitor the condition of your coolant and your cooling system. S·O·S coolant analysis is a program that is based on periodic samples.
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Do not use the same vacuum sampling pump for extracting oil samples that is used for extracting coolant samples. A small residue of either type sample may remain in the pump and may cause a false positive analysis for the sample being taken. Always use a separate pump for oil sampling and a separate pump for coolant sampling. Failure to do so may cause a false analysis which could lead to customer and dealer concerns. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations" |
To properly maintain the cooling system, the total cooling system capacity must be determined. The total cooling system capacity will vary between individual installations. The total cooling system capacity can include the following components: engine, expansion tank, heat exchanger, radiator, keel cooler and piping.
Refer to the specifications that are provided by Caterpillar or the OEM of the installation. Record the total cooling system capacity in the appropriate Table.
| Approximate Refill Capacities | ||
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| Compartment or System | Liters | Quarts |
| Total Cooling System(1) | ||
| (1) | The total cooling system capacity includes the following components: Engine block, Radiator and Coolant hoses and lines |