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Checking/Filling and Flushing Coolant System
CHECKING/FILLING AND FLUSHING COOLANT SYSTEM
The coolant level should be checked and topped up daily with the recommended coolant conditioner. The level can be checked by observing the sight glass level on the expansion tank. The upper level indicates the full level and the lower level indicates the low level. The recommended level is the mid point of the sight glass.
To top up the cooling system:
1. Ensure that the engine has had sufficient time to cool and is isolated and tagged as described in Section 1. 2. Locate the expansion tank fill cap. 3. Remove the fill cap by turning counter-clockwise. 4. Fill the expansion tank until coolant level is at the ⅔ position on the sight glass.
If refilling after flushing, the engine must be run for at least ten minutes at high idle with the fill cap removed to ensure system deaeration. Check the coolant level after running and add if required.
The cooling system should be drained and flushed every 3000 service hours.
To drain the coolant system:
1. Ensure that the engine has had sufficient time to cool and is isolated and tagged as described in Section 1. 2. Relieve the pressure on the engine header tank by lifting the relief lever on the relief cap, once pressure is relieved remove the relief cap. 3. Remove the engine cooling system hose at the water pump. Allow the coolant to drain.
To flush the cooling system:
1. After the cooling system is completely drained. Clean and refit the hose on the engine water pump. 2. Refill with clean demineralised water and Caterpillar Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner. Add 0.5 litres of cleaner per 15 litres of cooling system capacity. Install the header tank relief cap. 3. Start the engine and run for 30 minutes to circulate the water to reach the temperature to 82°C, stop the engine and allow the engine to cool down. 4. Drain the engine as above flushing the cooling system with fresh water until the dirty water is clean. 5. Clean and refit the hose on the engine water pump.
