How Often to Drain/Flush Coolant?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by PE_T, Dec 9, 2018.

  1. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

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    Is a flush really needed in today’s trucks? My truck has a coolant filter that I replace at 100k by the manual. I have a 2014 Freightliner Cascadia.
     
  2. benjamin260_6

    benjamin260_6 Medium Load Member

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    You can send in a sample just like with oil analysis. Change it when they tell you to
     
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  3. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    If you use the red extended life coolant. That stuff is good for like 400,000 miles. Just don't mix with regular coolant. I see some guys just adding water. That a little crazy. If you want the engine to last a long time
     
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  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Antifreeze never goes bad. The additives do dissipate over time. Using a filter w/ dca time release is supposed to replenish system while keeping it clean. I would still check dca levels though as the filter only releases additives as needed due to a thin metal corroding in filter before releasing additivesI As far as flushing goes it’s always a good idea. I think doing new hoses at least every 5 yrs at most and flushing and refilling with new antifreeze is worth it . The more you flush the longer radiator lasts.
     
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  5. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    The steel coolant tubes are bad to rust thru if your truck still has the factory ones on it?
     
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  6. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

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    I am not sure what you are refering to. My truck has a plastic coolant reservoir.
     
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  7. sbaumann14

    sbaumann14 Road Train Member

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    Yes...replace steel tubes with stainless at first sign of rust
     
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  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    He means the big steel tubes that connect with upper and lower hoses they rust out and can be replaced if so by SS tubes.
     
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