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Diesel truck engine coolant system tips.

Article Excerpt
To keep diesel engines running and ensure the best life-cycle value, it is vital to institute a regular cooling system maintenance plan. Despite the emergence of extended life coolants, most diesel engines on the road today still require the use of conventional coolants, which must be serviced more frequently.

The following tips are for servicing diesel engines that use conventional coolant:

* Check coolant level daily. Top off leaks with a 50/50 mixture of the same antifreeze and water and supplemental coolant additives at the recommended concentration.

* Use distilled water, not tap water, in the cooling system. Distilled water does not contain chlorine or solids, which corrode the engine.

* Check the coolant for clarity. If the antifreeze is not doing its job, rust contamination will color the water.

* Check the water hose condition and pliability. The cooling system transfers heat both from the engine and from the lubricating system. If the oil cooler fails, oil can leak into the cooling system and make the hoses too soft. In addition, age can cause hoses to become brittle. Problems with the hose can lead to leaks and downtime.

* Check the engine operating manual for specific cooling system maintenance guidelines.

CONVENTIONAL ANTIFREEZE

Although antifreeze's primary purpose is to prevent freezing, it also contains ethylene glycol to...