The only way to prevent pitting cavitation in a heavy-duty engine is to utilize and maintain coolant with heavy-duty additives like molybdate and nitrite. These inhibitors build a protective coating over the metal, shielding it from cavitation corrosion.
Do you need special coolant for diesel engines?
In a diesel engine, the coolant system is one of the most ignored preventive maintenance items.
Engine coolant maintenance is equally as crucial as changing the oil in your car. In fact, in a diesel engine, the coolant condition may be much more critical than in a gasoline engine.
One of the most common causes of neglect is that owners don’t realize how critical it is to check the coolant’s condition on a regular basis. The state of the coolant is critical to the engine’s lifetime. Antifreeze-coolant on the market now not only protects against freezing in the winter, but also helps protect diesel engines from common cavitation problems.
Can you use 50/50 antifreeze in a diesel?
The Prestone HD 50/50 Prediluted NITRITE FREE Extended Life (ELC) Antifreeze/Coolant is designed for use in any diesel or stationary engine that uses HD Organic Acid Technology and has aluminum or other engine metals (OAT).
What kind of antifreeze does a diesel truck take?
All heavy duty diesel trucks should use FVP 50/50 Prediluted Extended Life Heavy Duty Antifreeze/Coolant. On and off the road, heavy-duty engines are used.
Can you use regular antifreeze in a diesel tractor?
Coolants used in older engines, such as those found in antique tractors, use Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), which has a two-year or 30,000-mile life duration. Green is the most common color for IAT coolants.
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants, which were first introduced in 1994, have a five-year or 150,000-mile life duration. Coolants made of OAT come in a range of hues.
To add to the confusion, hybrid combinations of both IAT and OAT compositions are now available.
Finally, coolants are frequently divided into three categories based on their intended use: automotive, heavy-duty, and universal (for both car and heavy-duty engines). The level of chemicals used to defend against rust and corrosion determines the differences between these categories.
Confused? Follow this broad rule of thumb to simplify your antifreeze selection:
Usage green IAT coolants rated for light-duty or universal use in antique tractor engines. Follow the manufacturer’s coolant recommendations when it comes to high-powered modern tractors, as well as today’s vehicles and trucks.
Universal Antifreeze Coolants
50/50 premix coolants are another name for universal coolants. This is due to the fact that they contain 50% demineralized water. As a result, the solution does not need to be diluted before use. Universal coolants contain a low silica content to protect sensitive engine and radiator components from corrosion.
Organic Antifreeze
Organic antifreeze is created with the help of Organic Acid Technology (OAT). Phosphates and silicates are removed from the liquid body, and corrosion inhibitors are added to keep the liquid from rusting. This antifreeze comes in a variety of colors, including dark green, orange, pink, blue, and red. A typical organic coolant has a service life of 150,000 miles before it needs to be changed.
Inorganic Antifreeze
Inorganic antifreeze is made using ethylene glycol and is made with Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT). It also contains silicates and phosphates, which, if not washed out after 30,000 miles of use, could cause corrosion. Inorganic coolants are appropriate for older vehicles manufactured between the early 1920s and the late 1990s. It comes in two colors: yellow and green.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT)
HOAT is an organic acid with the addition of silicates. The silicates protect the engine’s metal parts from corrosion. The service life of HOAT coolants is five years or 150,000 miles, after which they should be cleaned. This sort of coolant comes in two colors: yellow and orange.
Can you use Prestone antifreeze in a diesel engine?
Prestone HD 50/50 Prediluted NITRITE FREE Extended Life (ELC) Antifreeze/Coolant is designed to work with any nitrite-free HD Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant in any diesel-powered commercial vehicle or stationary engine with aluminum or other metals. Its nitrite-free OAT formulation is based on a concentrated blend of premium long-lasting inhibitors that protect against temperature extremes, rust, cavitation corrosion, scale, and premature water pump failure. Prestone HD 50/50 Prediluted NITRITE FREE Extended Life (ELC) is an antifreeze/coolant concentrate and demineralized water blend that provides protection for up to 600,000 miles/12,000 hours**. Prestone HD 50/50 Prediluted NITRITE FREE ELC can be added to the antifreeze/coolant of any HD commercial or stationary engine when used as specified.
What’s the difference between Prediluted and concentrated antifreeze?
Concentrated coolants are packed to be mixed with water to achieve a certain coolant concentration ratio, such as 50%. Pre-mix coolants have already been diluted with water at a predetermined ratio, which is usually between 33 and 50 percent.
