Diesel Antifreeze

[BobCorazza]

I thought I was pretty squared away on maintenance fluids in general, but I read recently that diesel engines require antifreeze with nitrite to avoid cylinder wall damage from cavitation. Standard auto antifreeze (ie: Prestone) does not contain nitrite.
Does anyone use "diesel antifreeze" here?

 

[Deerlope]

I have used an additive in my diesel truck. There anti freeze out there now that has it already in it. My 02 F-250 diesel has a gold color anti freeze in it that is good for 100K without adding any additive.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> Standard auto antifreeze (ie: Prestone) does not contain nitrite.</font>
Only diesels with wet liners need the special 'diesel' antifreeze. What antifreeze is recommended for a truck has no relation to what antifreeze should be used in a compact tractor.

<font color="blue"> but I read recently that diesel engines require antifreeze </font>
No offense meant, but where did you read this? What does your Owners Manual instruct you to use?

For example, in the New Holland line of compact tractors, you have to get up near 100 hp before the engines have wet liners. All that's recommended is a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and distilled water.

 

[BobCorazza]

All the manual states is to use "Permanent Type" antifreeze not to exceed 50% water dilution.
Assuming my L3410 does not have wet liners, I'll replace the antifreeze with the automotive Prestone.

I came across the nitrite in diesel coolant somewhere while reading about cooling systems in general... don't recall where.
Thanks for the info.

 

[F100Panel]

I've come across the issue on several boards. There was a Ford Diesel truck board that got into it pretty extensive.. made a believer out of me.. As a rule for $10 you can get the additive from a Ford Dealer. NAPA sells it too but I've had difficulty getting it there/counter help not really understanding what I'm asking for.... Now I just stop by the local Ford parts dept. & get it... For $10, why not? From what I've read, it can't hurt... If Ford catches you without the additive your warantee is void.. must be something to it...

 

[RickB]

It is important for parent bore diesels to use heavy duty antifreeze with a good DCA/SCA additive package, and use a supplimental coolant additive as needed. Some parent bore engines (Ford Basildon diesels) have as bad or worse reputation than any wet sleeved engine for cavitation erosion. Dry-sleeved engines seem to be far less problematic than the other designs. Not sure if I ever saw a 100HP compact, but the only wet-sleeved engines I know of in Ford or New Holland tractors are in the older 1910 and 2110 compacts, old FW Fords with Cummins 855's and the current TG and TJ series which start at 170 PTO HP. Admittedly I haven't seen any porous blocks in NH Compacts, but that does not keep me from recommending "heavy duty" antifreeze for ALL diesels. I feel it is a valid recommendation. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Diesels with wet sleeves are proned to what's known as electraulisis. The anti-freeze turns "acid", and that, combined with bubbles (cavitation) erode the cylider sleeves. In time, the proccess will eat through the sleeve, allowing coolant into the crankcase or combustion chamber.

Several things may be done to prevent this from happening. One is to change coolant regularly. Another is to test the Ph level of the coolant. Most GOOD diesel shops will sell litmus test strips. Yet another is to use additives that are available from many sources to control the Ph level. Usually, those additives are also anti-cavitational additives also. I use a product from Fram in my John Deere 2440 (60 hp. 219 cu. in wet sleeve diesel) I have also added a "kit" available from Deere for the early 80's 4000 series (100+ HP) tractors. It is a coolant filter system. Keeping dirt particles out of the cooling system helps to eliminate electraulisis also.

Aslong as you follow the instructions in your owners manual, you probably need not worry about "nitrates", Cavitation", "electraulisis", or wet sleeve pitting".

 

[keeney]

You can also buy the anti-freeze with the additives already in it. Most farm-supply stores will have special anti-freezes designed for diesel use, and many will be labeled that they have "anti-cavitation" additives.

- Rick

 

[MMM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You can also buy the anti-freeze with the additives already in it. )</font>

Probably best bet. I work with Nalcool and other coolant conditioners. It can be overdone and send ph off scale the other way. End up with same result.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> You can also buy the anti-freeze with the additives already in it. </font>
Fleetguard works for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I buy it at my local TSC.