Application

Engineering
Bulletin
Subject This AEB is for the following applications:

Automotive Industrial Marine

Antifreeze in Warm Climates
G-Drive Genset PowerGen

Filtration Emissions Solution

Date: December 2, 2008 AEB Number 202.02

Engine Models included: QSK19, QSK60, QSV 81 & 91

Author: Ismael Chang Approver: per Procedure 9183OPS-04-10-01 Page 1 of 3

Basics

Antifreeze (fully formulated) typically referred as being in concentrated formulation with balanced amounts of
anitfreeze (ethylene glycol or propylene glycol), Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA), buffering compounds
and does not contain 50% water.

Coolant (fully formulated) contains balanced amounts of antifreeze, SCA, buffering compounds and is premixed
with deionized water. A fully formulated coolant has built in corrosion inhibitors and buffering compounds to
provide protection against liner pitting, corrosion, and scale formation.

Anti-freeze or coolant is required in all Cummins engines regardless whether these operate in cold or warm
climates. Coolant not only serves the purpose of removing heat energy from engine that is not converted into
mechanical energy, but is also prevents corrosion of internal components. Anti-freeze or coolant is used in all
Cummins engines should be of a fully formulated type and should meet Cummins Engineering Standard 14603.

Benefit

Utilizing a fully formulated coolant simplifies the cooling system maintenance at initial fillup and during routine
topoff. A premix solution will reduce operator error by eliminating:

ƒ Need to mix and retest for concentration of SCA. Overdose may lead to silicate gelation, underdose will
lead to liner pitting and scale formation.

ƒ Need to mix antifreeze and water to correct proportion.

ƒ Ensuring water added is of good quality; in very remote areas this might be difficult to access

ƒ Testing initial concentration of buffering compounds

Treatment

It is recommended that a fully formulated coolant be used on all Cummins engines.

In temperate climates where temperatures might not approach freezing point coolant may consist of water and
supplemental coolant additive (SCA). Care must be taken to ensure the water is of known quality. Water may

Cummins Confidential
 AEB 202.02
Page 2 of 3
not be well water, river water, rain water, or tap water, it should be purified (distilled or deionized), filtered and
not contain contaminants commonly found in tap water such as minerals or chlorine.

Proper concetration of SCA can be tested by using Fleetguard® Three-WayTM heavy duty coolant testing kit.

Concentration

Initial fillup of cooling system should consist of Cummins premixed coolant or a mixture of 50/50 Cummins fully
formulated antifreeze and good quality water Good quality water meets the following guidelines.

Water Quality

Maximum 170 ppm as (CaCO3 +

Calcium, Magnesium (hardness)
MgCO3)

Cloride 40 ppm as (Cl)

Sulphur 100 ppm as (SO4)

It is important to note that antifreeze broadens the operating temperature range of coolant by raising its boiling
point. Coolant with a 50/50 concentration will raise the boiling point to 110o C (228o F). Overconcentration of
antifreeze will increase possibiltiy of silicate gel problem.

Cooling system should be topped off using a fully formulated pre-mixed coolant which meet the Cummins
Engineering Standard 14603. Care should be exercised not to overtreat the coolant with SCA beyond the
recommended 1.3 units/liter (5.0 units/ gal), if between 0.3 and 1.3 units/liter (1.2 and 5.0 units/gal) replenish the
SCA. SCA levels can be increased by SCAs or by using a coolant filter that contains SCAs.
Underconcentration on SCAs can result in pitting, corrosion and scale deposits.

If a Cummins fully formulated coolant is not available replacement coolants such as Chevron, Texaco, Shell
Rotella or their private labels be be used, but this coolant must be treated by adding 0.24 liter (8 oz) of silicate
fluid per 45 liters (12 gal) of total coolant system volum

Monitoring

Testing interval of engine coolant for SCA and antifreeze concentration should be carried out according to
specified intervals in owner manual. Typically this will be:

ƒ At least twice a year

ƒ At every subsquent oil drain interval if the concentration is above 3 units

ƒ Whenever coolant is added to the cooling system between filter changes

SCA concentration can be checked using Test Strip Kits; antifreeze concentration can be measured using a
refractometer. Avoid using a float type
 AEB 202.02
Page 3 of 3
Periodic testing of the cooling water system should include:
ƒ PH
ƒ Reserve alkalinity
ƒ Glycol/glycerin weight %
ƒ Corrosion inhibitor content
ƒ Contaminants (chloride, sulfate, calcium carbonate, etc.)

Replacement of coolant should be carried out when the following limits are exceeded.

Table 4, (excerpt from Cummins Engineering Standard Number 14603)

Contaminant Concentration Level
Sulfate ion 1500 ppm maximum
Chloride ion 200 ppm maximum
Oil or fuel contamination Noticeable by appearance or odor
pH 6.5, minimum
Grease, solder bloom, silica gel, rust or
scaling Must be free of these contaminants
The minimum pH for a condemning limit can vary according to the product's supplier. A pH less
than 6.5 is always unacceptable. For Fleetguard® ES CompleatTM coolant, the pH coolant
condemning limit is 7.5 minimum.

Cautionary steps

Lack of proper monitoring of coolant quality and recharging with appropriate chemicals will lead to:

ƒ Trapped air, which can lead to localized hot spots

ƒ Corrosion, general corrosion will displace metal that can damage seals on pumps

ƒ Solder blooming, failure of radiator or plugging

ƒ Pitting of liner, weakning of liner or proper seating of rubber o-ring seal

Use caution when handling used antifreeze and dispose of it according to local municipal regulations.

Prior to emptying or servicing the cooling system make certain that heaters are de-energized and won’t function
while system is empty.

We reserve the right to make modifications in the course of technical development.

Change Log
Date Author Description Page(s)
12/02/08 Ismael Chang New document