Question on ShellZone Coolants

[Clarkbug]

Good Morning Everyone.

Bear with me, even after reading a bunch here, Im still very much in the dark on different coolant types so wanted to ask before twisting myself around the axle too much.

Simplest thing is: What is the difference between the ShellZone ELC Dex-Cool and ELC Multi-Vehicle, other than the approvals for use in GM?

https://www.shell.us/business/fuels...-coolants/light-duty-antifreeze-coolants.html

It looks mostly like its those approvals, but I figure there must be more to the chemistry than that.

The longer thing: I have a very mixed fleet, and trying to consolidate a little on what I need to keep on the shelf. Started thinking coolants last fall when I had to swap out the coolant on my new-to-me Kubota tractor, and decided on the Rotella ELC NF. I need to swap coolant on my Kubota side by side, which I think has the most generic green stuff in it, and was going to use the same, but might need to get another bottle and it seems to be much harder to come by all of a sudden. Trying to expand options for engines that aren't diesels, since I only have one.

Appreciate any input!

 

[pbm]

I'm pretty sure those coolants you mention are a Dexcool and a Dexclone (very similar w/o the actual Dexcool approval for licencing cost reasons.) PEAK Global Lifetime concentrate, which doesn't contain 2-EHA, is available on Amazon for $20 a gallon....that's what I would, did and do use in my Fords, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda etc...Never had an issue although I do change the coolant every 3 to 5 years depending on miles driven.

 

[Clarkbug]

Thanks for that insight. Seems like it might be something thats similar, but I didn't think about the 2-EHA that I have read about here. Seems like that's some like it some dont sorta thing...

I still have a bottle of the Toyota Pink and a couple of the Subaru Blue's to use in those vehicles that I have, along with some Ford Yellow... (So as you can see, trying to cut down on future needs here)

Follow-up question. What's the difference between those and the Rotella ELC NF that's more suited for diesels? Any reason I couldn't run that in my normal passenger cars and keep them happy? (Other than cost)

 

[pbm]

I think NF means 'Nitrate Free'....whether that matters in a gasoline engine or not is beyond me. I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable members would know.

 

[Fredward]

I don't know anything about ShellZone coolants, but I ended up settling on Peak Final Charge Global for my 3 Kubota diesels, an M7060 and 2 RTV-X900s. The product page specifically recommends it for use in Kubota engines.

I remember it being hard to find a long life coolant that specifically stated they were Kubota compatible. I'm pretty sure my manual specifically calls for Kubota brand green coolant, and Kubota doesn't have any sort of approved coolant list. I don't know enough about coolant chemistry or engine metallurgy to pick a product other than by clearly stated recommendations or approvals.

 

[Clarkbug]

I think NF means 'Nitrate Free'....whether that matters in a gasoline engine or not is beyond me. I'm sure one of the more knowledgeable members would know.

It does indeed. I wasn't sure if nitrates were needed, but from what I had read, its something to do with Cat diesel requirements. So I think that one wants the Rotella ELC, and all the others were good with the ELC NF.

I had also considered the Final Charge Global, but was having a harder time getting it here compared to the Walmart order that I had coming. Good to know that one is approved for Kubota use. Although I guess for my vintage tractor (L2900) it would have been fine on whatever green stuff I had handy.