Conversion to Cat ELC Coolant

[Dick Simonis]

When we stop at BCS for some service later this month one of my items is to convert to the ELC coolant and have them remove the existing water filter and plug the hose lines.

Is there anything I should be looking for or anything else I should do???  I am assuming that this task is one they can do and do correctly.

[Joel Ashley]

Not to take anything away from BCS, but I'm sure they won't be lacking for business next month anyway, you might consider making an appt. just up the road at Peterson CAT in Redmond, just before or after your BCS visit.  In my experience they know their stuff and may even be less money for what they'll do.  For instance, the last time I had BCS service my engine, the job was done fine, but BCS didn't have the dedicated equipment to plug into the ECM and check for codes/faults, and the total bill (for the CAT service) was higher.  Things may be different since then, but I'd make some calls and compare prices against total service performed.

www.petersonmachineryco.com
(541) 548-8566
1-877-548-8576


Joel

[Joel Weiss]

Not to take anything away from BCS, but I'm sure they won't be lacking for business next month anyway, you might consider making an appt. just up the road at Peterson CAT in Redmond, just before or after your BCS visit.  In my experience they know their stuff and may even be less money for what they'll do.  For instance, the last time I had BCS service my engine, the job was done fine, but BCS didn't have the dedicated equipment to plug into the ECM and check for codes/faults, and the total bill (for the CAT service) was higher.  Things may be different since then, but I'd make some calls and compare prices against total service performed.

I'm with Joel on this one.  I like the guys at BCS but for basic PM-1 servicing I'm sold on going to a good CAT dealer.  I happen to have used Holt CAT in San Antonio but my experience was like Joel's.  The price might have been a little higher than at BCS, but IMHO it was worth it to have someone who could check for engine fault codes and who could enter the servicing data into the engine's memory.  They also did an oil analysis as part of the servicing.  When I asked them to replace the thermostat the part was in stock and it didn't add more than an hour to the day.  They even steam-cleaned the engine at no extra cost.

[Gary Winzenburger]

I just had work done at Thompson Caterpillar in Clarksville, TN to my C-12, and they did excellent service. They have app. 12 stores in both Mississippi and Tennessee. I actually talked to the technician who did the work, and he went over every thing he did, in detail, and seemed thoroughly proud of his work.

[Edward Buker]

I would be sure and let CAT or BCS know that you want the coolant lines removed, the filter housing removed, and that you want them to change the hose fittings to plug fittings at the block. There are multiple ways that this job could be done, you could just remove the filter, convert to ELC and just put a coupling into the existing lines where the filter is now housed. You could also just put an SCA free filter cartridge in the current housing and convert to ELC. They may already plan on doing the full Monty but better to not be surprised. BCS would clearly know about the problem but a Cat dealer may not given this layout and routing of the coolant lines is coach/brand/model specific.

If BCS does the job I would want to know what ELC they used so that you could add the same type/brand as they did. CAT would use CAT brand so that should be a non issue. It is the perfect time to examine all the coolant hoses and see if any show any signs of age that would warrant replacement along with any clamps that show signs of rust or wear and tear.

For the coolant changeover my preferences would be to use Cat ELC, flush 3 times with water, last flush with distilled water, no coolant system cleaners unless you know that you have issues, 2 gallons of ELC concentrate to compensate for water that does not drain, and finish the fill with 50/50 ELC. These are just preferences on my part and there certainly are other variations that work well.

Later Ed

[Dick Simonis]

Thanks for all the responses, you've certainly given be cause to rethink our plans.  Since the only service work I'm looking at is chassis related.....oil, fuel filters, and coolant conversion perhaps going to a Cat dealer is a better choice.  If so, I don't even need to stop at Bend and can continue on to Lebanon.

Any thought about a good Cat service enter in the Boise/Cladwell, ID area??  We're going to spend a week there.  Otherwise, going to Prineville for a few days and using the Redmond service center would work well.

I could even hold out until I get to Lebanon that take a day trip to Albany or some such.  If anyone has experience with Cat service in these areas, your thoughst would be appreciated.

[Joel Ashley]

There are several CAT service facilities in Oregon, including another one I've been happy using in Coburg, Pacific Truck.  There are a bunch around Boise too, but you won't pay a sales tax if you wait until Oregon.

     PETERSON CAT
3635 SW AIRPORT WAY
REDMOND OREGON, 97756-8623

Phone numbers:
 1 541 548-8566 GENERAL INFO

STORE HOURS STORE HOURS:
MONDAY 0800-1700, TUESDAY 0800-1700, WEDNESDAY 0800-1700, THURSDAY 0800-1700, FRIDAY 0800-1700

Web: http://www.petersoncat.com     Industrial and Rail Engines


     PETERSON POWER SYSTEMS
2300 HENDERSON AVE
EUGENE OREGON, 97403-2227

Phone numbers:
 1 866 228-3447 TOLL FREE
 1 541 302-9199 GENERAL INFO

STORE HOURS STORE HOURS:
MONDAY 0800-1700, TUESDAY 0800-1700, WEDNESDAY 0800-1700, THURSDAY 0800-1700, FRIDAY 0800-1700

Web: http://www.petersonpower.com     Industrial and Rail Engines


     PETERSON CAT
1434 S 6TH ST
KLAMATH FALLS

Phone numbers:
 1 541 850-8658 GENERAL INFO
 1 541 850-2121 FAX-1 (FAX)

Web: http://www.petersoncat.com     Industrial and Rail Engines



     BRATTAIN INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS
1075 INTERNATIONAL WAY
SPRINGFIELD OREGON, 97477-1060

OEM Affiliates: NAVISTAR,AUTOCAR

Phone numbers:
 1 800 275-1444 TOLL FREE
 1 541 747-2112 GENERAL INFO
 


     PACIFIC TRUCK CENTER
90970 ROBERTS ROAD
COBURG OREGON, 97408

OEM Affiliates: FREIGHTLINER

Phone numbers:
 1 800 452-5057 TOLL FREE
 1 541 345-8728 GENERAL INFO
 1 541 345-8728 SERVICE
 1 541 345-8728 PARTS

Web: http://www.pac-truck.com


IDAHO


     BOISE PETERBILT
6633 S FEDERAL WAY
BOISE IDAHO, 83716-9278

Phone numbers:
 1 800 289-7383 TOLL FREE
 1 208 344-8515 GENERAL INFO
 1 208 336-3310


     RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF IDAHO INC.
770 W AMITY RD
BOISE IDAHO, 83705-5403

C13, C-15, C15, 3406, C11, C-16, C-12

OEM Affiliates: NAVISTAR

Phone numbers:
 1 800 541-3645 TOLL FREE
 1 208 342-7711 GENERAL INFO
 1 208 342-7711 SERVICE
 1 208 342-7711


     TREBAR KENWORTH SALES
4100 S. TRANSPORT ST
BOISE IDAHO, 83705-5326

C-10, C15, 3306, C11, C-15, 3208, 3126, C-12, D343, 3176, C13, C-16, 3406, C7

OEM Affiliates: KENWORTH

Phone numbers:
 1 208 345-6410 GENERAL INFO
 1 208 386-0075


     WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT COMPANY
400 E OVERLAND RD
MERIDIAN IDAHO, 83642-6606

C-16, C-10, 3116, 3208, 1600, C-15, 3176, 3126, C-12, 3306, 3406

Phone numbers:
 1 800 323-0832 TOLL FREE
 1 208 947-4501 GENERAL INFO
 1 208 947-4599 GENERAL INFO (FAX)