Use and Maintenance Guidelines for Fully Formulated
Conventional Coolants
> Recreational Vehicle
> School Bus
> Shuttle Bus

20-12

Freightliner Custom Chassis
Service Bulletin

> Walk-In Van
> S2

General Information
The purpose of this service bulletin is to explain the correct use and maintenance of fully formulated conventional coolants, and to identify Freightliner-approved coolant types.

CAUTION
Do not use automotive-type coolants in any heavy-duty cooling system. They do not contain adequate
corrosion protection, and serious engine damage could result.
See the enclosed color reference card to identify Freightliner-approved coolants by color.

NOTE: Additional color reference cards (Form Number TSS408) can be ordered through Access
Freightliner. Go to www.accessfreightliner.com, then select "Tools and Services"; then select "Technical Publications Ordering" link; then select "Freightliner/FCCC Technical Publications Request
Form".
IMPORTANT: All Freightliner Custom Chassis products are factory filled with Fleetcharge® conventional coolant as standard (other coolant types are available as an option), which is a 50/50 fully formulated coolant, not an extended-life coolant.
Always check the engine manufacturers website for the most recent information concerning recommended coolant.
The major difference between coolants is the type of inhibitors used. Fully formulated conventional coolants
have low total dissolved solids, low silicate, and are pre-charged with Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs),
providing superior wet sleeve liner cavitation protection. Most fully formulated conventional coolants are also
"phosphate free", reducing the risk of scale buildup in the engine. Fully formulated conventional coolants are
also available in a pre-mix 50/50 (glycol/water) or concentrate. The colors available are purple, fuchsia, pink,
magenta, and green, with the only difference being the dye that is used. It is important to understand that SCAs
deplete over time (engine use), requiring that a proper coolant maintenance plan be in place.
There are several different brand names of fully formulated coolants. See Table 1.
There are two ways to visually identify a system with a fully formulated conventional coolant.
• A label is installed near the fill point on or near the surge tank.
• The color of the coolant is purple, fuchsia, magenta, or pink.
Compatible Pre-Mixed Fully Formulated Coolants
Part
Qty.
Supplier
Product Name
Number
Old World Fleet Charge Fully Formulated SCA-Precharged
FCA 053
1 gallon
Industries Pre-Mixed 50/50
1 gallon
Fully Formulated SCA Pre-Charged Heavy-Duty OWIALAWS3
Alliance
Coolant/Antifreeze Pre-Mixed 50/50
OWIALAW51 55 gallons
Detroit
®
Power Cool Pre-Blended 50/50
23518918
55 gallons
Diesel

Color

Use

Pink

Purple/Fuchsia/
Magenta

Initial Fill and
Top-Off

Table 1, Compatible Pre-Mixed Fully Formulated Coolants

Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Bulletin, November 2008

Page 1

20-12

Use and Maintenance Guidelines for Fully Formulated
Conventional Coolants

Freightliner Custom Chassis
Service Bulletin

> Recreational Vehicle
> School Bus
> Shuttle Bus

> Walk-In Van
> S2

Maintenance of Fully Formulated Conventional Coolants
With correct maintenance, fully formulated conventional coolants are designed to provide engine protection for
an extended period of time, depending on the engine manufacturers recommended intervals. It is important
however, to check the coolant when the vehicle is delivered and at oil change intervals for color, clarity, freeze
point, and SCA levels. See Table 2 for maintenance procedures. See Table 3 for a list of recommended drain
intervals.

Procedure
Topping Off
Testing Freeze Point
Visual Inspecting
SCA Coolant Test
Strip

Fully Formulated Conventional Coolant Maintenance
Interval
Notes
As Needed
Use only a compatible pre-mix coolant. See Table 1.
Every 3 months or 250 operating
Use a test strip or a refractometer to test.
hours, whichever comes first.
Every 3 months or 250 operating
Color and clarity should be bright and free of contaminants.
hours, whichever comes first.
Every 3 months or 250 operating
Test and adjust the SCA levels with the use of liquid SCAs,
hours, whichever comes first.
service filter, or need release filter.
Table 2, Fully Formulated Conventional Coolant Maintenance

Manufacturer
Detroit Diesel
Mercedes-Benz

Cummins

Caterpillar

Engine Manufacturers Recommended Drain Intervals
Interval
Comments
Proper periodic evaluation using Power-Trac 3-Way Test
Strips and SCAs. Coolant sample must be submitted every
Until First Overhaul
3 years, 300,000 miles (483 000 km), or 10,000 engine
operating hours.
Coolant replacement limits (sulfate–1500 ppm maximum,
chloride–200 ppm maximum, Ph–6.5 minimum, coolant
After Exceeding Replacement Limits
must be free of oil, fuel, grease, solder bloom, silica gel,
rust, and scaling).
3 Years or 3000 Engine Operating
Must use annual Level 2 Coolant Sample and Analysis.
Hours
Table 3, Engine Manufacturers Recommended Drain Intervals

Topping Off the System
Top off the system as needed, using an approved pre-mixed fully formulated coolant. See Table 1.

IMPORTANT: An approved fully formulated conventional coolant must be used to maintain the engine
manufacturers recommended drain intervals.

Freeze Point Checking
A test strip or a refractometer may be used to check the freeze point of the coolant. The freeze point should be
maintained at –34°F (–37°C) with a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze to water. To increase the freeze point, add an approved concentrate to achieve the correct ratio of antifreeze to water. See Table 4 for compatible concentrates.

Page 2

Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Bulletin, November 2008

Use and Maintenance Guidelines for Fully Formulated
Conventional Coolants
> Recreational Vehicle
> School Bus
> Shuttle Bus

20-12

Freightliner Custom Chassis
Service Bulletin

> Walk-In Van
> S2

Compatible Fully Formulated Coolant Concentrate
Part
Supplier
Product Name
Qty.
Color
Number
Old World Fleet Charge Fully Formulated SCA-Precharged
OWIALA003
1 gallon
Pink
Industries Concentrate
1 gallon
Fully Formulated SCA Pre-Charged Heavy-Duty OWIALA001
Alliance
Coolant/Antifreeze Concentrate
OWIALAW51 55 gallons
23512138
6 gallons Purple/Fuchsia/
Detroit
Power Cool® Concentrate
Diesel
Magenta
23512139
55 gallons
8C3684
1 gallon
Caterpillar CAT DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze Coolant)
8C3686
55 gallons

Use

Adjust Freeze
Point

Table 4, Compatible Fully Formulated Coolant Concentrate

Visual Inspecting
WARNING
Do not remove or loosen the radiator cap until the engine and cooling system have completely cooled.
Use extreme care when removing the cap. A sudden release of pressure from removing the cap prior to
the system cooling can result in a surge of scalding coolant that could cause serious personal injury.
To check visually for contaminants, drain a coolant sample from the reservoir into a clear container. Check the
color and clarity against a known good sample or use the color reference card, Form Number TSS408, enclosed with this service bulletin. If the sample is not clear and bright, drain and flush the coolant.

SCA Coolant Test Strip
The coolant must be between 50 and 130°F (10 and 54°C). Insert a test strip into the coolant for 2 seconds,
remove, and then flick your wrist to remove beads of liquid from the test strip. Wait 45 seconds before comparing SCA (nitrite) test strips to the color chart on the packaging. Add SCA as the chart directs with use of liquid
SCAs or a coolant filter. See Table 5, Table 6, and Table 7.
Coolant Testing Products
Product Name
Supplier
Universal Coolant Test Strip (25)
Penray
Heavy-Duty Test Strip (50)
Penray
Heavy-Duty Test Strip (10)
Penray
Power-Trac 3-Way Test Strip
Detroit Diesel
Refractometer (Fahrenheit)
Penray
Refractometer (Celsius)
Penray

Part Number
TS200
TS100
TS102
23522774
CTX2
CTX1

Table 5, Coolant Testing Products

Product Name
Pencool 3000 with Stabil-Aid
Power Cool 3000 SCA
Pencool 3000 with Stabil-Aid

Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Bulletin, November 2008

SCA Liquid Additives
Supplier
Penray
Detroit Diesel
Penray

Part Number
PIC300016
PIC23507854
PIC300064

Qty.
1 pint
1 pint
1/2 gallon

Page 3

20-12

Use and Maintenance Guidelines for Fully Formulated
Conventional Coolants

Freightliner Custom Chassis
Service Bulletin

> Recreational Vehicle
> School Bus
> Shuttle Bus

SCA Liquid Additives
Supplier
Detroit Diesel
Penray
Detroit Diesel
Penray
Detroit Diesel

Product Name
Power Cool 3000 SCA
Pencool 3000 with Stabil-Aid
Power Cool 3000 SCA
Pencool 3000 with Stabil-Aid
Power Cool 3000 SCA

Part Number
PIC23507855
PIC300005
PIC23507856
PIC300055
PIC23507857

> Walk-In Van
> S2

Qty.
1/2 gallon
5 gallons
5 gallons
55 gallons
55 gallons

Table 6, SCA Liquid Additives

Product Name

Supplier

Compatible Coolant Filters*
Part Number

Need Release Coolant
Filter

Penray

PICNF2088

Need Release Coolant
Filter

Detroit Diesel

PIC23516489

Penray

PICNF3000

Equal to 1 pint of Pencool 3000 liquid SCA.

Detroit Diesel

PIC23507545

Equal to 1 pint of Pencool 3000 liquid SCA.

Penray

PICNF2999

Does not contain SCA (blank filter).

Pencool 3000 Cooling
System Filter
Power Cool 3000 SCA
Pencool 3000 with
Stabil-Aid

Comments
Automatically releases SCAs by sensing the
corrosivity of the coolant. Lasts for 150,000
miles (241 350 km), 3000 engine operating
hours, or 15 months.
Automatically releases SCAs by sensing the
corrosivity of the coolant. Lasts for 150,000
miles (241 350 km), 3000 engine operating
hours, or 15 months.

* Filters must be maintained/replaced periodically. Refer to the filter manufacturer’s website for replacement intervals.

Table 7, Compatible Coolant Filters

Warranty
This is an informational bulletin only; warranty does not apply.

Page 4

Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Bulletin, November 2008