Thread: CAT 12H Coolant issue

Very strange...

If you want Andy, send me some of the black sludge, and I should be able to get it analysed.

PM me for postal address if interested.

Thanks Ben.
Will look into that.
Andrew

Andy, the inhibitor used in the ELC coolant is very sensitive to air inclusion apparently and can result in sludging, although I've never experienced it in any of our cars (i've used Caltex ELC (OAT) for years in both the Patrol and Landy, it's the same as the CAT ELC minus a couple of supplementary additives)
I'd be checking the entire system for leaks and maybe a gas test on the coolant for a potential head gasket leak ?

I'm actually swapping everything over here to a Cummins Propylene glycol HOAT now, just as it's easier for me to get.

Interesting.
Why would CAT specify ELC/OAT in a non-sealed system???
It has no recovery tank and has the ELC warning sticker on the radiator lid.
I have told the steerer(wont refer to him as an operator) NOT to fill the radiator to the brim as it will always spit out the amount needed for a head space.Still fills it brim full and complains it uses a few litres of coolant every day.Its done it since new and has over 8000hours on the clock.
Pretty sure pressure testing and sniff testing of the coolant was done by CAT before the radiator was removed/rodded.
Grader should have been replaced last year,havent heard if its definately going this year.
Andrew

G'day Andy, can't tell you what the problem is but I could put you on to a very good parts interpreter for Hastings Deering (cat dealer in QLD)
PM me if your interested

Andy, I saved this link years ago, it attempts to give a reason of how and why it happens in GM cars in the US.

Draft?DEX-COOL 2007, Part 1: Revising A Less-Than-Accurate Report

Originally Posted by THEBORDERDOG

G'day Andy, can't tell you what the problem is but I could put you on to a very good parts interpreter for Hastings Deering (cat dealer in QLD)
PM me if your interested

Thanks for that.
Pretty sure CAT over here will be onto it,will look at getting a sample to Ben,he has acsess to some good testing gear at uni
Andrew

When the radiator was out I suggested it wasnt oil,but rubber from the insides of the hoses braking down,we had to replace the top hose it had no strength left in it at all,wouldnt retain its round shape.
Andrew