Hi. I believe this is the best site for asking my question on coolant. I have a Isuzu 4wd that has a 4JG2-TC diesel engine that was last filled with Texaco's Extended Life Coolant. Now it's about time to change the coolant again and would appreciate any suggestion. Thanks in advance.
Suitable coolant for Isuzu Diesel engine
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With a diesel you're well-advised to use one of the automotive coolants with nitrite - this would include G-05 as used in Mercedes, Chrylser, and Ford - or go with a heavy-duty truck coolant suitable for diesels.
The problem with diesels is knock cavitation, so some of the automotive coolants like DexCool aren't really suitable.
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The problem with diesels is knock cavitation, so some of the automotive coolants like DexCool aren't really suitable.
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There are a number of ELC(Extended Life Coolant) coolants for truck use on the market. Shell has a Rotella product, Chevron a Delo product, and so on.
These should be installed and maintained according to their manufacturer's directions.
For example, Shell has a test kit to determine whether the the existing coolant can be converted or whether you need to completely drain and refill. Shell also provides detailed instructions on testing and maintaining the coolant.
These products are aimed at the large diesel engine market. In the United States it would be unusual to find them in a FWD vehicle or automobile.
All of them contain nitrites.
Based on testing you determine when the coolant needs chemical replenishment, and that's done using an "extender".
If you have one of these in your Isuzu, it might be worthwhile to have a truck garage which sells Texaco test the coolant and see if it can be extended. Commercial fleets have the equipment for whatever brand they're using and do their own testing.
With conventional coolants replenishment of additives is accomplished with an SCA, supplemental coolant additive. This can be introduced into the coolant a number of ways, the most common being a filter that leeches a small amount of SCA into the coolant over time.
Typically an SCA contains these kinds of chemicals:
Nitrite: provides protection against cavitation erosion, and inhibits corrosion.
Borate: prevents acidity.
Nitrate: protects aluminum and solder.
MBT (Mercaptabenzothiazole): coats copper and copper alloys, protects them from direct contact with coolant and dissolved oxygen.
Since you've got a diesel you really want a product containing nitrite. Other than that, each of the types has its own advantages. The trend in the U.S. is towards extended life coolants.
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These should be installed and maintained according to their manufacturer's directions.
For example, Shell has a test kit to determine whether the the existing coolant can be converted or whether you need to completely drain and refill. Shell also provides detailed instructions on testing and maintaining the coolant.
These products are aimed at the large diesel engine market. In the United States it would be unusual to find them in a FWD vehicle or automobile.
All of them contain nitrites.
Based on testing you determine when the coolant needs chemical replenishment, and that's done using an "extender".
If you have one of these in your Isuzu, it might be worthwhile to have a truck garage which sells Texaco test the coolant and see if it can be extended. Commercial fleets have the equipment for whatever brand they're using and do their own testing.
With conventional coolants replenishment of additives is accomplished with an SCA, supplemental coolant additive. This can be introduced into the coolant a number of ways, the most common being a filter that leeches a small amount of SCA into the coolant over time.
Typically an SCA contains these kinds of chemicals:
Nitrite: provides protection against cavitation erosion, and inhibits corrosion.
Borate: prevents acidity.
Nitrate: protects aluminum and solder.
MBT (Mercaptabenzothiazole): coats copper and copper alloys, protects them from direct contact with coolant and dissolved oxygen.
Since you've got a diesel you really want a product containing nitrite. Other than that, each of the types has its own advantages. The trend in the U.S. is towards extended life coolants.
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Light Japanese diesels typically demand a non silicate formula coolant.
Texaco ELC has Isuzu approval and is recommended to use without a SCA.
Texaco ELC has Isuzu approval and is recommended to use without a SCA.
FWIW, Texaco ELC is the factory fill in Land Rover diesels, and is what I've used for the past four years in my Land Rover without a problem
tdi-rick
However, the G-05 used in Chrysler, Mercedes, Ford, and others is a low-silicate formula that skips the phosphate to get to the same point.
Tests run on the G-05 and many years of experience in Mercedes indicate the levels of silicate are no concern.
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The Japanese in general have gone non-silicate - the Nissan, Honda, and Toyota all use OAT coolants with a dose of phosphate instead of silicate.
However, the G-05 used in Chrysler, Mercedes, Ford, and others is a low-silicate formula that skips the phosphate to get to the same point.
Tests run on the G-05 and many years of experience in Mercedes indicate the levels of silicate are no concern.
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To expand on M_M's answer, dry sleeves are either a press fit into the cylinder block bore, or are placed in the casting mold and the molten metal poured around the sleeve at the time the block is cast. Wet sleeved engines' sleeves usually are fit with upper and lower o-rings and inserted into the block. (I believe this is generally true for heavy-duty diesel engines such as found in heavy equipment and marine applications. A Peugeot 505 turbo-diesel I once owned dispensed entirely with the upper o-ring, depending strictly on the cylinder head and gasket to seal the upper end.) The o-rings provide the necessary seal at top and bottom, the length of the sleeve is in direct contact with the coolant, and the cylinder head mechanically "locks" the sleeve in place. Wet sleeved engines are attractive from a maintenance perspective since, at rebuild time, the engine can be resleeved, re-pistoned, and re-bearinged indefinitely (theoretically, anyway).
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