A: Call our catalog department at 1-800-890-2075 then press "2".
A: Typically, any coolant based on an organic acid formulation would be considered to be extended life. Extended life coolant in general will not contain silicates and will contain up to three times the nitrite concentration, when compared to a conventional heavy-duty coolant. The increased initial nitrite loading gives long life coolants the ability to be utilized over extended service intervals.
A: In some applications the lack of silicates in the formulation could adversely effect the elastomers used in engine gasketing materials. The high concentration of nitrites may also attack aluminum components used in the cooling system. Fleet maintenance personnel might also believe that with an extended life coolant there is no need to change the system coolant filter, this is not the case. Circulation of
contaminants that would prematurely wear critical system components would result from improper servicing of the coolant filter.
A: SCA is the acronym for Supplemental Coolant Additive. These are additive packages, either dry (DCA) or liquid (LCA), which are added to support the cooling ability of the coolant and to protect against cavitation erosion, formation of deposits within the cooling system, rust and other unwanted cooling system by-products generated as a result of engine operation.
A "Type 2" supplemental coolant additive is based on Borate/Nitrite chemistry, while "Type 4" additives are based on Phosphate/Nitrite/Molybdate chemistry. They are two different technologies, and, for optimal performance, should not be mixed but they are compatible.
SCA's are also available for heavy-duty extended life coolant formulations, since these types of coolants also need to be maintained in the same way as heavy-duty standard coolants.
A: Both SCA and Extender are used to supplement engine coolants to provide a fully formulated heavy duty (HD) coolant. However, SCA’s and Extenders are as different as conventional silicated HD coolant is to Extended Life HD coolants. SCA chemistry is typically based on a combination of nitrite and inorganic corrosion inhibitors, while Extenders are typically based on nitrite and organic corrosion inhibitors. The use of SCA’s in Extended Life coolants or Extenders in silicated formulations will negate the benefits of the additive and could jeopardize the cooling systems life.
A: Yes, though the manufacturers do not recommend mixing heavy duty conventional and extended life coolants. The resulting mixture would not be considered to be an extended life formulation, since conventional inhibitors would be introduced into the system and the nitrite concentration would be lowered. The cooling system should then be maintained as a conventional coolant formulation would.
A: Topping off with conventional silicated antifreeze/coolant in a system protected with Extended Life antifreeze/coolant is not recommended. Topping off with a small amount (less than 15% of total cooling system capacity) of conventional antifreeze/coolant will not upset the ability of the Extended Life antifreeze/coolant to protect the cooling system. Continued topping off with conventional silicated coolant will over time dilute the Extended Life antifreeze/coolant enough for it to become a silicated formulation. Heavy Duty cooling systems should be routinely checked for antifreeze/coolant leaks at regular service intervals. Any worn or leaking components should be repaired or replaced.
A: Additive levels in extended life coolants have to be maintained in the same manner as with conventional heavy-duty products. The difference being that the service interval between required maintenance will be somewhat longer. The correct fill levels in the cooling system must be maintained, any needed replenishment due to leaks or engine servicing must be made up with the correct mix of coolant, water and SCA’s as indicated through testing with a test kit or by laboratory analysis.
A: With the proper servicing and maintenance both heavy-duty conventional and extended life coolant could conceivably be used to the same end point. Extended life coolants, because of the high initial nitrite charge, require less frequent addition of SCA’s.
Cooling systems using either formulation require coolant filter changes at the manufacturers recommended intervals. Routine testing insures the appropriate additive levels, through the addition of supplemental SCA’s, as well as the use of the correct mixture of water and make up coolant.
As long as the O.E.M recommended cooling system fill level, water to antifreeze ratio and SCA levels are maintained and there are no catastrophic failures or system contamination, both formulations could be used for about the same amount of time.
A: Whenever there has been a repair made to the engine, which involved contaminant entering the cooling system, (defective oil cooler, head gasket, etc.) or with the catastrophic failure of a cooling system component, the system should be flushed before refilling with fresh coolant.
Also, coolant that appears contaminated (rust, scale, etc.) or cannot be brought back within specification through the addition of SCA’s or supplemental new coolant should be replaced and the cooling system flushed.
In any event, whenever a vehicle is being serviced coolant fill levels, freeze protection and SCA levels should be determined using a test kit or laboratory analysis.
The appropriate measures should be taken to bring the SCA levels back within O.E.M. specifications. When any formulation of coolant, conventional or extended life, cannot be brought back within the O.E.M. specification or is contaminated it should be discarded according to approved EPA methods.
A: Recycling coolant or purchasing recycled products for use in your vehicles opens your maintenance practices up to additional variability in cooling system protection. Recyclers and re-cycling practices vary from location to location. Some recyclers do little more than filter the coolant while others alter the levels of chemical concentrations within the mixture.
There may be no savings when comparing a highly refined recycled product to new coolant. The more closely the recycled product resembles “virgin” product, the more costly the coolant will be to purchase.
Additionally, since your coolant may be mixed with that from another fleet during the recycling process, there could be cross contamination by the addition of impurities to the product you receive back.
A: Up to this point there has been little direct correlation between color and formulation. In the near future, manufacturers and packagers in the industry will more generally follow standards that have been written and approved by the members of TMC (The Technology & Maintenance Council). Coolant color, as a result of TMC efforts should, in the future, directly correlate to the type of coolant and its’ formulation. However,
care will still be needed since not all antifreeze manufacturers may be following the recommended TMC guidelines.
A: The important things to remember about coolants and your engines cooling system protection are:
* Follow the O.E. engine manufacturer recommendations regarding cooling system maintenance practices, service intervals, type of coolant formulation and correct concentrations with water. Record and follow service recommendations for the specific formulation used in the vehicle being service.
* Change the coolant filter as recommended by the O.E. engine manufacturer.
* Do not mix coolants of different formulations unless absolutely necessary. Refer to engine manufacturer recommendation before mixing different coolant technologies since serious consequences may result. If you don’t know what formulation is in a particular cooling system find out (through laboratory testing) before taking a guess
and mixing formulations.
* Test the cooling system at regular intervals to determine the concentrations of additives and freeze protection. Replenish additives only to a level as recommended by the O.E.M., more is not necessarily better. Use SCA’s manufactured specifically for the formulation of the coolant in the vehicle (don’t use an extended life SCA with a standard formulation).
* Maintain coolant levels within the system, with a make-up mixture of known mix and additive concentration, check for leaks, and repair the system as required. This will prevent the use of make-up coolant from unknown and unreliable sources while in service, which could upset the balance of supplemental additives and freeze protection or contaminate the system.
© 2010 Honeywell International Inc.