Thermo king c600 coolant out from overflow

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by xiaoqixx1, Feb 25, 2025.

  1. xiaoqixx1

    xiaoqixx1 Bobtail Member

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    Replaced the cap, added UV dey in the coolant, didnt find anything in the oil so far. The engine is not overheating I went to Florida a few weeks ago, and it was 80F. The coolant does not flow out continuously, only flows out irregularly with large amount then the check coolant level alarm is triggered.

    Any suggestions, I guess thermostat?
     
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  3. JB7

    JB7 Medium Load Member

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    Age and hours on the unit? I would first check the fan and make sure that the radiator fins are clean. Pressure test the system. A thermostat would be a good idea. Rare but possible is an issue with the water pump such as the impeller being loose on the shaft. I would want to know the coolant temp when the alarm is triggered. If high, then overheating is causing the coolant loss. Otherwise getting air in the system or another problem such a head gasket leak.
     

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  4. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Could be a head gasket. C600's are known for having problems with the head gaskets. How old is the unit and how many hours? I could be under warranty.
     
  5. xiaoqixx1

    xiaoqixx1 Bobtail Member

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    its old, 2015 with1.8w hours. coolant temp seems stable. The engine never stopped, so probably no overheating.
    I plan to start with the cheaper ones, big money If it is the head gasket.
    Can I replace the water pump myself, any special tools?
     
  6. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Set it at -20 and park the menu on water temp. Watch how the temp rises. Might have to watch for an hour or so to see if the temp spikes at any time or spikes on the way up. If so it's likely just the thermostat.
     
  7. xiaoqixx1

    xiaoqixx1 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 7, 2012
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    Changed thermostat and tested with block tester the result is negative looks like head gasket is OK, got overflow and low coolent alarm few hours after change thermostat, the coolant was kept around 160F while overflow, no spikes. then nothing happened for the next week.
    Could it be the water pump? It either doesn't overflow, or with large amount.
     
  8. JB7

    JB7 Medium Load Member

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    Did you bleed the system after changing the thermostat? See file in post #2 for procedure.
    If it was the water pump which was causing low or no coolant flow it would overheat. But as you say the temp at time of overflow was 160F assuming the temp reading is correct. You can loosen the belts and see if there is play in the water pump by grabbing each side of the fan and try to move back and forth.
    When you say "tested with block tester" do you mean the blue fluid that changes color if it contacts combustion/exhaust gases? If so they are not always accurate and will not always show a problem when one actually exists. Better ways are having someone check with an exhaust gas analyzer over the radiator with the cap off. Or an adaptor attached to the radiator to check pulse (any gasses being pumped into the cooling system) with a scope.
    At this point I would pressure test cold and at operating temp. Could also check under vacuum with a cooling system vacuum filler. Either drawing in air, head gasket or cracked head or block. Puzzling that the problem is intermittent.
     
  9. reeferwrencher

    reeferwrencher Medium Load Member

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    Don't even waste any more time testing anything.100 percent head gasket.Those engine are infamous for it.
     
    JB7 Thanks this.
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