ENGINE MAINTENANCE - Cooling System Maintenance CAUTION CAUTION Glycol Concentration Level The engine cooling system has very specific maintenance and inspection requirements. Failure to follow require- ments can damage the engine. Engine damage can include but is not limited to freezing, boiling, corrosion, pitted cylinder liners. This information is found in the engine manufacturers owner’s manual. It is the owner’s re- sponsibility to follow all requirements listed in the engine manufacturers owner’s manual. Use of non-genuine coolant filters can cause severe engine damage. 2 Concentration Check the level of freeze/boilover protection, which is determined by the glycol concentration.
Use a glycol refractometer to determine glycol level. Add coolant to obtain the coolant/water ratio required to provide the protection you need. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water is adequate for most applications. For extremely cold operating conditions, the ratio can be adjusted to a higher concentration of coolant. NOTE Condition Coolant is harmful to the environment. Unused coolant must be stored as a toxic hazardous material in leakproof containers. Used coolant must be processed as industrial chemical waste. Please follow HAZMAT guide- lines with both used and unused cool- ants. NOTE Perform a visual inspection of the coolant. It should have no cloudiness or floating debris.
Determine the chemical inhibitor concentration level by using an extended life coolant specific test kit or test strips. Inhibitor concentration level determines corrosion protection. If you are concerned about possible coolant quality, contamination, or mechanical problems, submit a coolant sample for analysis. Improper maintenance may cause coolant Maximum recommended ELC concen- tration is 60% ELC and 40% water by volume (a 60/40 coolant mixture). The minimum recommended concentration is 40%. Y53-1185-1E1 (04/16/18) 49 Level Desired Coolant / Water Ratio Freeze Point °F (°C) Recommended Levels 40% -12 (-24) 45% -23 (-31) 50% -34 (-37) 55% -50 (-46) 60% -62 (-52)