Cool-Gard™ II Frequently Asked Questions
Cool-Gard II Heavy-Duty Summer Coolant/Winter Antifreeze with 6 year/6,000 hour service life has been introduced to dealers and customers as of December 2008. These are additional questions and answers to support your understanding of the event.
Why are we launching Cool-Gard II?
New product development is part of our commitment to serving the customer. Market demands supporting our decision to launch at this time include:
- Engine technology advancements
- Higher operating temperatures due to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
- Compact cooler designs due to equipment space limitations
- Alternate component construction/metallurgy
- Extended service intervals from customer demand for economy
- Global market/environmental constraints and requests for Nitrite free preferences
Can I top-off with Cool-Gard II if my system has Cool-Gard as factory fill?
Yes. A mixture of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II is acceptable as these coolants are compatible. This response is based on knowing the detailed chemistry of each product and the fact that the following mixtures of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 & 1:3 by volume, were mixed together and performance tested against
ASTM D1384, the glassware corrosion test – all tests passed
ASTM D4340, the heat rejecting aluminum test – all tests passed
The same would be true if a dealer or customer uses Cool-Gard to top-off a new 2009 model delivered with Cool-Gard II.
Is Cool-Gard™ II compatible with other brands and types of coolant in the market place?
Yes, Cool-Gard II is compatible with other coolants in the marketplace. Although we do not recommend mixing of other coolants with Cool-Gard II, as part of our due diligence, we have performed compatibility testing against other heavy duty diesel coolants representing a spectrum of formulation strategies, including Caterpillar ELC, Detroit Diesel PowerCool and PowerCool Plus, and Cummins ES Complete and Cummins Optimax. Using standardized ASTM test procedures, Cool-Gard II was mixed at 3:1, 1:1, & 1:3 ratios and subjected to ASTM 1384 and ASTM 4340 test procedures. All of these mixtures did pass these two corrosion tests.
Is Cool-Gard II compatible with automotive coolant?
Yes, with this cautionary note; we are compatible from a product perspective, but it must be noted that we do not recommend using any automotive coolant in a diesel or heavy duty application. The main reason for this is that most automotive coolants are not designed to provide liner cavitation performance, and as such, mixing of Cool-Gard or Cool-Gard II with automotive coolant will dilute the ability of our coolants to provide adequate liner cavitation protection. Mixing of Cool-Gard or Cool-Gard II with automotive coolant is not recommended.
Is Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II compatible with glycerin products?
It is too early to tell as there is very little to no glycerin based coolant in the North American engine coolant market. There are additional questions of mixing different base fluids, i.e. ethylene glycol, and glycerin due to lack of standardization or history of product (glycerin) use. Compatibility with the Cummins glycerin based coolant is planned and the results will be added to our coolant compatibility database.
What do we recommend for service intervals if Cool-Gard™ and Cool-Gard II are mixed?
A mixture of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II would default to lower service interval, which is 5 years/5,000 hours. The diluted mixture does not ensure performance at the premium service interval of Cool-Gard II which is 6 year / 6,000 hours. Annual testing is recommended.
Can I use the current test strips if I top off with Cool-Gard II?
No. The current 3-way test strip (TY16175) will continue to be offered for legacy applications. We have introduced a new 3-way test strip for use with Cool-Gard II. The new strips are recommended for Cool-Gard II systems and those same systems exposed to only topping off with Cool-Gard inventory.
Can I use the new test strips if I top off with Cool-Gard?
Yes. The new test strip is a three pad test strip (glycol, pH and organic additive content). Follow this simple recommendation for test strip use;
Pure Cool-Gard = use the current strips TY16175
Pure Cool-Gard II = use the new strips TY26605
Cool-Gard I + II blend = use the new strips TY26605
Can I use Coolant Conditioner in a mixture of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II?
No. Coolant Conditioner (TY16004 / TY16005) is formulated to replenish the additive package of Cool-Gard. We recommend not using Coolant Conditioner in mixed systems and risk a possible overdose of coolant additives. Cool-Gard II Coolant Extender product TY26603 should be used or the system should be flushed and refilled with Cool-Gard II.
Can I use Cool-Gard II Coolant Extender when I have a mixture of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II?
Yes. By using the new test strips, a mixture of Cool-Gard and Cool-Gard II will give proper indication of the Cool-Gard II Extender that should be added to the system.
Are there any changes to cautionary statements regarding consumption by animals?
Cool-Gard II is made with an ethylene glycol (EG) base, as is Cool-Gard, and the toxicity level of EG has not changed. Although not required in all areas, we will still add the bittering agent (Bitrex®) to all Cool-Gard II packages. The bitter taste of Bitrex helps to prevent accidental ingestion of this product. Packaging labels will continue to contain a warning to keep out of reach of children and animals.
What is the environmental impact of a spill?
Precaution should be taken to prevent spilling of coolant containing ethylene glycol. Do not reuse empty containers and dispose of them in accordance with governmental regulations. For 24-hour emergency assistance, call John Deere: 800-822-8262.
Can Cool-Gard II be recycled?
Yes. Cool-Gard II should be recycled just like any other antifreeze / engine coolant and it is not restricted.
Is the coolant to water ratio for Cool-Gard II to achieve similar freeze protection the same as Cool-Gard?
Yes. A 50/50 blend of de-ionized water and Cool-Gard II Concentrate (ethylene glycol) coolant will result in freeze point protection down to about -34° F.
What will happen if coolant gets into the engine oil crankcase?
The adverse effects of ethylene glycol-based coolant are universal to the oil in an engine crankcase. Ethylene glycol (or almost any other glycol, for that matter) will disrupt the lubrication properties of the oil. Any amount of coolant that gets into the crankcase is detrimental. If the glycol / water mix displaces the oil in the bearings, lubrication and load carrying ability is lost, and severe wear is going to rapidly occur.
