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Old 06-07-2016, 07:15 PM   #1
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Antifreeze/coolant

Just curious, any preference on brand of antifreeze/coolant used on a Diesel engine? Have been recommended to use alliance but cannot find local distributor. Have seen some brands specifically for use in diesels. I have a Perkins t6.3544m engine. Ready for coolant change since it's been 3 years since last changed.
As always, all thoughts and opinions are welcome and appreciated!
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Old 06-07-2016, 08:24 PM   #2
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I asked at Tacoma Diesel what coolant for my FL 120 and was told any of the green ones, the engine dos not care.
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Old 06-07-2016, 08:32 PM   #3
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Same from American Diesel for Lehman 120s, any of the green is fine.
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Old 06-07-2016, 08:37 PM   #4
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I asked at Tacoma Diesel what coolant for my FL 120 and was told any of the green ones, the engine dos not care.
Same for Perkins t6.3544m then too?
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Old 06-07-2016, 08:43 PM   #5
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Same for Perkins t6.3544m then too?
No, not necessarily...I only caught that after posting my reply too.

But it may go to reason that many older, lower powered diesels of certain design are a long way from modern diesels requiring high tech coolant.

Best to double check past the "old iron" theory.....
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Old 06-07-2016, 08:57 PM   #6
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No, not necessarily...I only caught that after posting my reply too.
Even though OP and post 2 are "veteran members" they have 87 posts between them. Wouldn't want one led by the other.
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Old 06-07-2016, 09:10 PM   #7
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Vahavela

What says your operator's manual?
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Old 06-07-2016, 09:14 PM   #8
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For my CATs I use CAT Extended Life Coolant.
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Old 06-07-2016, 09:21 PM   #9
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For my CATs I use CAT Extended Life Coolant.
OP is asking about his Perkins t6.3544m.
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Old 06-07-2016, 09:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawgwash View Post
OP is asking about his Perkins t6.3544m.
Hmm, The OP's first sentence reads "Just curious, any preference on brand of antifreeze/coolant used on a Diesel engine."

His question is pretty generic although he does eventually disclose his engine brand. My reading is that although he has Perkins, and wants to know what to use, he's also curious as to what others do as well.
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Old 06-08-2016, 05:31 AM   #11
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Maybe I should have been more specific... my operators manual is not specific about what to use but talk around my marina is to use coolant pre-charged with sca's to help prevent cavitation in the lining of the coolant system.
I'll check with TAD later today and see what their recommendations might be and get back to you all on this.
Thank-you for your replies!


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Old 06-08-2016, 05:38 AM   #12
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Maybe I should have been more specific... my operators manual is not specific about what to use
I couldn't find it in the Operator's or Shop Manuals either. Odd.
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Old 06-08-2016, 06:00 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Vahevala View Post
Maybe I should have been more specific... my operators manual is not specific about what to use but talk around my marina is to use coolant pre-charged with sca's to help prevent cavitation in the lining of the coolant system.
I'll check with TAD later today and see what their recommendations might be and get back to you all on this.
Thank-you for your replies!


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Engines are not my strong point....stronger on operating them than servicing.

But for my own...I do my homework.

There are some engines that are susceptible to the cavitation issue you are hearing about. My truck engine is one of them. My boat engine is not.

Different designs, different compression, etc..etc.

The most knowledgeable people I could find said use great coolant for my truck...any coolant at all for the Fl 120.

So do a bit of homework from the manufacturers, their authorized dealers or representatives, and or the best of the best mechanics around.

Some dock talk and some here ion TF is urban legend as it takes a good idea and it just keeps going and going till the original premise is not even relevant anymore.

Great info come and goes out of here as long as you make sure it works for you.
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Old 06-08-2016, 06:29 AM   #14
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"There are some engines that are susceptible to the cavitation issue you are hearing about. My truck engine is one of them. My boat engine is not."

YES!

If you have a 30- year old tractor motor the chances are the cylinders are not steel cylinders , exposed to the coolant.

If its a fairly modern truck marinization , chances are you will need SCA in the coolant.

How the engine is built decides.

For the modern engine using a 2 part cleanser is a requirement before the coolant change , and using strips to be sure the SCA level is just right is required during operation..

For the old boat motors in non freezing use 35% antifreez is all thats required , the rest,, Distilled Water.
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Old 06-08-2016, 06:53 AM   #15
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Always thought it was red coolant for alloy blocks and alloy radiators and green for cast iron ?
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Old 06-08-2016, 07:20 AM   #16
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Can't really go by color....they are all over the map now.

Our really good tech guy RickB posted (and maybe others through the years) a color chart of different antifreeze and their uses/properties.

Maybe a search will help or someone might have saved it...but if you are not a diesel mechanic, generally all you need is what kind your engine likes and what the label says.
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Old 06-08-2016, 07:27 AM   #17
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I'd call TAD (Trans Atlantic Diesel). They seem to be the go to company for Perkins and are good over the phone.


8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET) Mon. through Fri. Engine/Parts National Watts Order Line: 800-927-9295TEL: (804) 642-9295

TAD for perkins engines, perkins diesel, perkins marine, perkins parts, perkins generators, perkins service
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Old 06-08-2016, 07:54 AM   #18
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A diesel mechanic that I trust (did his apprenticeship at Perkins in the 60s) recommended Cat Extended Life coolant for my Perkins HT6-354 when we rebuilt it (at 20,000 hours). Since I sold that boat it has done the loop three times from Lake Huron and been as far south as Honduras, problem free.
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Old 06-08-2016, 09:02 AM   #19
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I just spoke with Janet at TAD and she checked with tech guy who recommended no specific brand by name but said the orange with aluminum inhibitors. Will check at local auto parts stores and see what I can come up with.


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Old 06-08-2016, 09:04 AM   #20
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Can't go wrong as long as it's astm 6210 spec.


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