I need to drain my cooling system for a hose replacement, so this is a good opportunity to change the coolant. It's a Westerbeke 38B-FOUR, based on a normally-aspirated Mitsubishi four cylinder diesel.
I have previously read about the different extended life coolants (ELC) and recall some horror stories about certain kinds, and the effects of mixing them, and so on. I can't recall the details. I am hoping someone here can recommend a suitable coolant type for my engine. Here's what the manual says:
Capacity: the manual says 6 quarts, but mine has a water heater added, plus a second, remote pressure tank. How much extra do you think I'll need?
Thanks in advance,
jv
I have previously read about the different extended life coolants (ELC) and recall some horror stories about certain kinds, and the effects of mixing them, and so on. I can't recall the details. I am hoping someone here can recommend a suitable coolant type for my engine. Here's what the manual says:
So, can anyone translate that into a specific product recommendation?ENGINE COOLANT
WESTERBEKE recommends a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water. Distilled water is free from the chemicals that can corrode internal engine surfaces. The antifreeze performs double duty. It allows the engine to run at proper temperatures by transferring heat away from the engine to the coolant, and lubricates and protects the cooling circuit from rust and corrosion. Look for a good quality antifreeze that contains Supplemental Cooling Additives (SCAs) that keep the antifreeze chemically balanced, crucial to long term protection. The distilled water and antifreeze should be premixed before being poured into the cooling circuit.
PURCHASING ANTIFREEZE
Select a brand of antifreeze specified for diesel engines. Antifreeze specified for diesel engines contain a special additive to protect against cavitation erosion of the engine's cylinder walls. Prestone and Zerex are two nationally known brands that offer antifreeze specifically for the use in diesel engines. Select the pre-mix variety so that the correct mixture will always be added to the cooling system when needed. Change the antifreeze mixture according to the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE in this manual.
Capacity: the manual says 6 quarts, but mine has a water heater added, plus a second, remote pressure tank. How much extra do you think I'll need?
Thanks in advance,
jv