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Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Yahoo Message Number: 74808
Good day to all of you!

I hope this does not sound too foolish of me, but while checking fluid levels, I noticed I cannot see the color of antifreeze through the sight glass window. It appears the level is too low to even see through the window. I have also removed the cap and tried to look into the surge tank, but was unsuccessful, again, most likely since the tank level is too low. I am uncertain of what type of antifreeze to top off the surge tank since I cannot clearly see what color the antifreeze is. I understand there are different types and colors of antifreeze. My coach is a 2000 Intrigue with the Cummins 350 turbo. Is there a "generic" type antifreeze that can be used for all types? The manual only states to use a 50/50 mixture of good quality water and fully formulated antifreeze which must meet TMC RP 329 OR TMC RP 330 specifications. I appreciate any insight and assistance.

Thank you!

Steve

2000 Intrigue
#11168

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74810
Steve, the safest antifreeze to use is the Fleetgard Compleat. You can buy it 50/50 pre mixed or in concentrate.
The way I check the expension tank is to use a flashlight and shine it in through the sight window while looking down into the radiator cap opening. By shining the light, you will be able to see the fluid level.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74811
There should be a petcock on the bottom of the radiator, drain a small sample into a clear container.

Jim

07 Allure #31570

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74812
You should determine if you have propolene of etholene (sp?) glycol. I think they shoulden't be mixed. Mine had Fleetgard Compleat Propolene Glycol from factory and is blue/green (?) in color. I think if you had hydronic HWH they used propolene gycol?

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74813
Thanks all for the advice/suggestions. I do have the hydronic HWH. I will also take Jim's advice and drain a sample from the petcock on the radiator.

Steve

2000 Intrigue
#11168



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From: Larry F

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:07 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

You should determine if you have propolene of etholene (sp?) glycol. I think they shoulden't be mixed. Mine had Fleetgard Compleat Propolene Glycol from factory and is blue/green (?) in color. I think if you had hydronic HWH they used propolene gycol?

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

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Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74814
Steve,

If you haven't checked your coolant lately, it might be a good idea to get some fresh test strips and make sure your coolant SCA's are up to snuff, too.

Dave Trotter

01 Intrigue 11215

Thanks all for the advice/suggestions. I do have the hydronic HWH. I will also take Jim's advice and drain a sample from the petcock on the radiator.

Steve

2000 Intrigue
#11168

From: Larry F larry.feather@...> To:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:07 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

You should determine if you have propolene of etholene (sp?) glycol. I think they shoulden't be mixed. Mine had Fleetgard Compleat Propolene Glycol from factory and is blue/green (?) in color. I think if you had hydronic HWH they used propolene gycol?

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74819
Green ethilene glycol is what we use in our 2002 Intrigue #11329

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74821
We have a Cat C12 and we use Red Cat extended long life antifreeze. You had better figure out if you have extended or regular for your cummins. If you have regular you are supposed to test it to make sure the additive is OK. I have been told if you neglect this it can cause very serious damage to the motor. As in needed a new motor.

Bob Affinity 2002 42' tag.

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74822
From the engine standpoint you can mix propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. They have equivalent chemical characteristics but ethylene glycol, the more common green colored antifreeze is more toxic when ingested by pets when spilled. They like the sweet tast. As equipped when new many CC's had the blue polypropylene glycol installed but if the coach has been serviced someplace along the line by Cummins they probably added ethylene glycol (green). Again, it doesn't hurt to mix them unless you plan to drink it or mix it with potable water supply.
Did any of you guys ever try simply using a thin somewhat flexible stick/dowel or wire to check your coolant level if you're not sure trying to see if the sight glass is covered (easy non tech solution)?

Jim M

'02 Intrigue #11410 ISL 400

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74826
My understanding is you need only be sure you are adding heavy duty coolant rated for diesel engines, regardless of color.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
 

Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74906
Thank you Dave, and all who have responded...I will be sure to get the test strips.



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From: "cdabode@..."

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:51 AM Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

Steve,

If you haven't checked your coolant lately, it might be a good idea to get some fresh test strips and make sure your coolant SCA's are up to snuff, too.

Dave Trotter

01 Intrigue 11215


Thanks all for the advice/suggestions. I do have the hydronic HWH. I will also take Jim's advice and drain a sample from the petcock on the radiator.

Steve

2000 Intrigue
#11168



[size=0px]
From: Larry F larry.feather@...> To:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:07 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Topping of antifreeze in surge tank

You should determine if you have propolene of etholene (sp?) glycol. I think they shoulden't be mixed. Mine had Fleetgard Compleat Propolene Glycol from factory and is blue/green (?) in color. I think if you had hydronic HWH they used propolene gycol?

Larry, 03 Allure 30856



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