Usage:
All Caterpillar Commercial Engines Except G3600 Engines
In August of 1994 Caterpillar introduced Extended Life Coolant (ELC). The introduction of ELC followed over two years and two million miles of over the road testing. Testing was composed of 112 trucks, including 3406's and 3176's. There was not one coolant related failure during the test. During testing, coolant samples were taken. Upon completion of the test, engines were disassembled and inspected. The cooling systems of the engines were in excellent condition. Gaskets, seals and hoses passed inspection. Radiators, thermostats, passages, water pump cover and impeller, and spacer decks were clean and free of deposits and showed no signs of corrosion.
ELC meets the following specifications; Caterpillar EC-1, ASTM D 5345, ASTM D 4985, and TMC RP329.
In January of 1996, Caterpillar began factory filling with ELC. To date, there have been no documented failures of the cooling system components, gaskets, seals or hoses related to the use of ELC. Caterpillar's objective is to provide engines, services and products with superior reliability and customer value. Caterpillar continues to support ELC based on its demonstrated performance.
Extended Life Coolant Formulation Modification
When introduced in 1994, Extended Life Coolant (ELC) met the following specifications; Caterpillar EC-1, ASTM D 5345 and ASTM D 4985. In November of 1998, the ELC formulation was modified. The nitrites were lowered and molybdates were added. The new levels are; 550 ppm nitrites and 950 ppm molybdates. With this modification, ELC meets the Truck Maintenance Councils recommended practice, TMC RP329.
Caterpillar EC-1 Industry Coolant Specification
EC-1 is Caterpillar's industry specification for an extended service, or long life, coolant. EC-1 defines the minimum requirements of a long life engine coolant and coolant extender intended for use in Caterpillar engines. EC-1 defines the physical and chemical properties, compatibility characteristics, bench and performance testing, and field testing requirements.
The physical and chemical properties insure the glycol-based properties, coolant extender properties and water quality all meet the highest standards. The compatibility characteristics insure the coolant is compatible with other engine coolants, coolant extenders and water to avoid problems should a different coolant be added to the system. Bench performance testing, (includes testing requirements for foaming, corrosion, water pump cavitation and hot surface aluminum corrosion), demonstrates the ability of the additive package to provide adequate protection to all metals in the cooling system.
What makes EC-1 unique from other coolant specifications is the field testing. This field testing establishes the practice for evaluating the ability of a long life coolant to provide acceptable corrosion control and cooling system performance with significantly reduced or no maintenance additions of inhibitor in field service.
To summarize the field testing method; There must be a minimum of six engines of known initial condition, monitored for coolant and cooling system condition, subject to full tear down inspection upon completion of the test. Additionally, there must be at least one copper-brass radiator and one aluminum radiator included in the test. The preferred application is the line-haul trucking service, but any vehicle application operating at greater than 60% load factor is considered acceptable. Engine component inspection and coolant sample analysis results determine acceptable performance.
Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant was introduced once the stringent requirements of EC-1 were met. EC-1 ensures that the coolant not only performs in the laboratory, but more importantly, on the road and at the job site where it counts most to the customer.