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From The Tech:
We are all aware of the ill effects that coolant can have if not properly checked and maintained. Here are a few pointers to
think about as we come into summer.
Coolant Tips:
- Keep glycol level at manufacturer's recommended ratio for your operating conditions. the vehicle's operator's manual give the
percentages.
- Keep nitrate level at the manufacturers recommended levels, usually between 1,200 and 2,400 parts per million.
- Keep acidity/alkaline levels at manufacturer's recommended levels, typically between 8.5 and 10.5 pH.
- Use coolant test strips as specified by the operator's manual.
- Tap water is not a good source of clean and corrosion free water.
- Top off the radiator only with recommended cooling mixture for the vehicle.
- Consider using premixed antifreeze and additives.
- Add extender to extended life coolant at 120,000 miles or sooner if indicated by the test strips. This can double the remaining
useful life of
the coolant.
- Flush and fill the cooling system according to the operator's manual. Use a recommended flushing agent and procedure when flushing
and
filling the cooling system.
- Replace the standard cooling system filter according to the operator's manual if so equipped.
After an extensive 8 month study by Peterbilt revealed over 50% of sampled trucks have glycolate levels, with over 70% unacceptable
pH levels, and 77% unacceptable nitrate levels. With the conditions generally found to be caused by lack of maintenance due to one or more of the above listed reasons.
In addition to the loss of anti-corrosion capabilities and premature aging of the coolant, any of the previous conditions, left unchecked,
can lead to pitted liners, plugging of cooler cores, and plugging of heater cores and/or radiators. These conditions can lead to localized or general overheating of the engine and may result in
component damage.
So keep your truck in top condition by regularly checking the coolant condition, whether you do it yourself, or have it done as a
standard part of our Quick-Care Service Specials. If you have any questions on how to make sure your truck is meeting the above specifications, please feel free to give us a call or bring your truck
by, and we will have a factory trained technician show you how, at no charge.
Thanks,
Heather Martin
Palm Truck Centers Service Manager, Ft. Lauderdale
954-584-3200
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