C12 Engine Coolant

[Mike n Marina Wolfgram]

I recently had BCS change my coolant from Original to Extended Life.  I do not know what brand ELC they used, but I believe it was Texaco.  Question is, Are other than CAT Brand acceptable when eliminating the coolant filter hose?

[Steve Huber]

Mike,
Per their web site, Texaco/Chevron ELC contains SCAs so no filter is needed. I would check with BCS and find out what they used and continue with it rather than add differing ELCs if you have to "top -off"in the future. Per Texaco's data their fluid is good for 8 years or 750K miles. Interestingly, they do not say their fluid meets Cat's EC-1 or ASTM D4895 specs, so not sure I would mix Cat ELC fluid  with it.  Most extended life coolants contain SCAs (e.g. Mobil, Fleet, etc) but one needs to check this and also verify  it is compatible with what you already are using.
Steve

[Edward Buker]

Steve,

I thought ELCs like the Cat ELC do not include nor require SCA additions and therefor the filter with an SCA charge was eliminated. I know that to be true of the Cat ELC. If you have a requirement for SCAs with the coolant that you have used then I thought the filter and SCA supplement within the filter was required...... I'm getting confused but it will not be the first or last time.

Later Ed

[Steve Huber]

Ed, Mike,
I'm the one that's confused. CAT ELC does not have SCAs. I also found another spec sheet on Texaco's ELC. It does meet ASTM D4895. Got confused as I had gone from std Prestone to SCA added to Cat ELC.. Sorry for the bad info. In any case you don't need the filter.
Steve