february2021 - 21

you are diluting the additive chemistry - likely
to the point that it is no longer as effective as you
need it to be. "
" You have to be really careful when you mix
chemistries, " Granger adds. " We have defined that
there should be at least 80 percent of our additive
in the coolant. If the right level of additive is not
there, the coolant can't do its job. "
When selecting a coolant to
use, Valvoline's WhittingtonByrd says fleets must first
understand OEM requirements. Then, consider warranty implications and expected
service lifetimes.
" It's important to note that
a coolant can be 'approved,'
'meet or exceed,' or be 'recommended' for the application, "
Whittington-Byrd explains.
" It is always best to use an
'approved' coolant, which
means the coolant has been
approved by the OEM with
extensive testing. When an
'approved' coolant cannot be
sourced, the next option is a
coolant that 'meets the specification.' That means the coolant has been comprehensively
tested to perform properly. "
Regardless, maintaining
the right additive level is
critical these days. That is
why Shell offers Rotella ELC
Correction Fluid, which helps
fleets restore proper additive
levels if their Shell Rotella ELC
Nitrite Free coolant becomes
diluted with other coolant
chemistries. Additionally,
Shell has partnered with
Acustrip to provide Rotella
ELC NF-calibrated test strips
to help technicians identify when the additive level is
deficient in a given vehicle's
coolant system.
For instance, if a vehicle
was accidentally topped off
with a different coolant, a
technician could test that
vehicle's coolant " cocktail "
with a test strip. The test
strip will indicate additive
concentration by color. If the
test indicates that the additive
level is low, the technician can
pour some correction fluid in
and test again until it is back
over 80 percent.
" Don't worry, a technician is
very unlikely to add too much
additive and cause damage, "
Jordan points out. " We always
say that a little too much additive is better than not enough. "
In some circumstances,
Granger says it is a good idea

to test the coolant whenever a vehicle finds its
way to a service bay for routine service. This is
especially the case when the technician is not sure
where the truck has been, or what coolant may
have been used to top off.
On the other hand, in properly maintained
cooling systems, Granger says minimal testing
is required. Using the right coolant - reinforced

by rigorous inspection and preventive maintenance practices - can help keep a cooling system
operating effectively for many years. In today's
trucking industry, that bodes well for not only
the engine, but also the aftertreatment system.
For related content, visit:
FleetMaintenance.com/in-the-bay.

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february2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of february2021