february2021 - 19

Avoiding coolant
cross-contamination

" Fleets are often very good at managing engine
For instance, Professional DiFM Cooling System
oil PM practices, such as taking oil samples and
Treatment from Bar's Leaks helps lubricate and
conducting engine oil analysis, " says Lawrence
seal internal, external, and coolant-to-oil leaks.
Wong, product technical specialist for Chevron
The company says these 5-gram tablets also help
Much like the engines they are tasked with coolLubricants. " But fleets don't always focus on coolinhibit the formation of rust and scale, and overall
ing, coolants themselves have changed in recent
ants. It's a good idea to check a vehicle's coolants
help keep the cooling system clean. The tablets
years. There are three essential ingredients fleets
every time it receives a regular PM on engine oil.
can be an effective defense against hairline cracks
should look for.
A routine check on the coolants, which includes a
and mild corrosion damage.
check of the pH levels along
with using a refractometer to
check the freeze point, will
help ensure that both are
within acceptable limits. If
they are not, this may be an
indication that something else
may be off. Then a technician
will need to pull a sample and
perform additional analysis
and adjust as required. "
Wong says it is also a good
idea to pressure-test the coolant system to ensure that the
radiator pressure cap is functioning properly.
" Also check with your
lubrication supplier on coolant testing kits they might be
able to provide, " Wong adds.
" For example, Chevron has a
dedicated Cool Tools kit for
maintaining coolant. "
Visually inspecting for
leaks is something that cannot
be neglected. Technicians
and drivers should religiously check for puddles beneath
the truck, as well as wet areas
around all cooling system
hoses and connections.
Another sign of a leak is if
the cooling system does not
pressurize.
" That could mean a
pressure cap needs to be
replaced, a hose clamp is
having an issue, a gasket has
failed, or corrosion damage
has occurred, " Valvoline's
TM
TM
TM
Whittington-Byrd says.
PRO Series LHD
PRO Series LHS
PRO Series LHT
" From the radiator and heater core to the core plugs in the
block, there are a lot of opporThe Cooper® PRO Series™ is a SmartWay verified, on-highway, long-haul line-up that delivers
tunities for an external coolant leak, " Bar's Leaks' Parks
savings to your fleet through competitive pricing, innovative rubber compounds which balance
reminds. " That said, the more
rolling resistance and long mileage, and a highly engineered casing designed for multiple
dangerous leaks are typically
retreads. Combined with low cost of ownership and a superior warranty, Cooper® PRO Series™
the internal leaks that a techtires are sure to meet your bottom line expectations. See the full line at CooperTruckTires.com
nician cannot see. These types
of leaks, where coolant gets
into the oil, can really cause
some damage to the engine. "
Unless a fleet regularly
samples engine oil for analysis, an issue like that could
go undetected for some time.
As a preventive measure,
technicians can utilize a
cooling system treatment
that seals leaks.

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February 2021 | FleetMaintenance.com

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february2021

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