B5.9G, B5.9 LPG Owners Manual – 018-004   Coolant Recommendations and Specifications

Cummins Inc. recommends the use of fully formulated antifreeze/coolant meeting Cummins® Engineering Standard (C.E.S.) 14603.  For further details and discussion of coolant for Cummins® engines, refer to Coolant Requirements and Maintenance, Bulletin 3666132.

Cummins Inc. recommends using either a 50/50 mixture of good-quality water and fully formulated antifreeze, or fully formulated coolant when filling the cooling system.

Good-quality water is important for cooling system performance. Excessive levels of calcium and magnesium contribute to scaling problems, and excessive levels of chlorides and sulfates cause cooling system corrosion.

Cummins Inc. recommends Cummins Filtration™ antifreeze coolants including Compleat ES™ containing DCA4 Plus, Fleetcool™ EX containing DCA2 Plus, and ES Optimax™ Organic Acid Technology (OAT), which meet the requirements of Cummins® Engineering Standard 14603. However, Cummins Inc., Chevron Corporation and Shell have agreed that Chevron Texaco™, Shell Rotella™ and their private label counterpart Extended Life OAT coolants, which do not meet the elastomer compatibility section of Cummins® Engineering Standard 14603, are acceptable for extended service interval use, assuming the initial coolant fill requirements were met from the vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

MidRange, Heavy Duty and High Horsepower engine overhauls, or repairs involving the replacement of the following components, using this Extended Life OAT coolant, must discard the coolant and replace it with new coolant.

• Rocker lever housing gasket
• Lubricating oil cooler housing gasket
• Cylinder head gasket
• Thermostat housing gasket

If the replacement coolant is Chevron Texaco™, Shell Rotella™ or their private label counterpart Extended Life OAT coolants, which do not meet the elastomer compatibility section of Cummins® Engineering Standard 14603, the coolant must be treated by adding 0.24 liters [8 oz] of liquid silicate fluid for every 45.5 liters [12 gal] of total coolant system volume. It is critical to not overtreat the coolant with silicate fluid.

To obtain order forms or ask questions relative to ordering the silicate fluid, contact:

• Silicate Fluid Order Program
• P.O. Box 27388
• Houston, TX
• 77277-7388
• Phone: 800-346-9041
• Fax: 800-876-5317

For further details and discussion of engine coolant for Cummins® engines, refer to Cummins® Coolant Requirements and Maintenance, Bulletin 3666132.

Fully formulated antifreeze must be mixed with good-quality water at a 50/50 ratio (40- to 60-percent working range). A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water gives a -36°C [-33°F] freezing point and a
108°C [226°F] boiling point, which is adequate for locations in North America. The actual lowest freezing point of ethylene glycol antifreeze is at 68 percent. Using higher concentrations of antifreeze will raise the freezing point of the solution and increase the possibility of a silica gel problem.

A refractometer must be used to measure the freezing point of the coolant accurately. Use Cummins Filtration™ refractometer, Part Number CC2800 or CC2806.

Do not use a floating ball hydrometer. Floating ball hydrometers can give incorrect readings.

Do not use sealing additives in the cooling system. The use of sealing additives will:

• Build up in coolant low-flow areas
• Plug the radiator and oil cooler
• Possibly damage the water pump seal.

Do not use soluble oils in the cooling system. The use of soluble oils will:

• Corrode brass and copper
• Damage heat transfer surfaces
• Damage seals and hoses.