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For the correct balance of antifreeze and of additives, proper care should be taken in order to maintain the concentration of Extended Life Coolant ELC. Lowering the
proportion of antifreeze lowers the proportion of additive. This will lower the ability of the coolant to protect the system from pitting, from cavitation, from erosion, and from
deposits.
4. Proper additions to the Extended Life Coolant
Note: Do not add ELC Concentrate as a makeup solution for a routine cooling system top-off. The addition of the concentrated Extended Life Coolant will increase the
concentration of glycol in the cooling system.
During the normal maintenance, use the premixed ELC as a cooling system top-off. This will bring the coolant up to the proper level. Use ELC or use a coolant that meets
Caterpillar specifications EC-1. If the proper coolant is not available, use distilled water or use deionized water. Check the glycol level of the coolant system with the 1U
- 7298 Coolant Tester Group °C or with the 1U-7297 Coolant Tester Group °F. Use ELC Concentrate to restore the proper glycol concentration in the coolant system. This
should be done before the engine is exposed to freezing temperatures.
NOTICE Do not use a conventional coolant to top-off a cooling system using Extended Life Coolant.
5. Extended Life Coolant Cooling System Cleaning
Note: No cleaning agents need to be used when a cooling system that is already using ELC is cleaned.
Clean water is the only cleaning agent that is required when ELC is drained from the cooling system.
ELC can be recycled. The drained coolant mixture can be distilled. The distillation process can remove the ethylene glycol and the water. Consult your Caterpillar dealer
for more information.
After you drain the cooling system and after you refill the cooling system, operate the engine while the radiator filler cap is removed. Operate the engine until the coolant
reaches the normal operating temperature and until the coolant level stabilizes. As needed, add the coolant mixture in order to fill the system to the proper level.
6. Cleaning the Heavy-Duty Cooling System
Caterpillar Cooling System Cleaners are designed to clean the system of harmful scale and of corrosion. Caterpillar Cleaners dissolve mineral scale, corrosion products, light
oil contamination, and sludge. For the recommended service interval, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, Maintenance Interval Schedule for your
machine.
