Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

Page: 205 / 232

201
chassIs InformatIon — 10
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
coolant SyStem
The system uses
a fully formatted
antifreeze or
coolant. The
difference between
fully formatted
antifreeze and fully
formatted coolant
is the percentage
of water. The
antifreeze of
coolant must meet
ethylene glycol or
propylene glycol recommendations.
Fully formulated anitifreeze must be mixed
with good-quality water at a 50/50 ratio (40
to 60% working range). A 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water gives a -33º F freezing
point and a 226º F boiling point. Using higher
concentrations of antifreeze will raise the
freezing point of the solution and increase the
possibility of a silica gel problem.
The 50/50 mix ratio must be premixed prior to
being put in the system. Placing antifreeze and
water in the cooling system is not recommended.
Consult the manufacturer’s OEM for more
details.
Good-Quality Water:
Good quality water is important for cooling
system performance. Excessive levels of
calcium and magnesium contribute to scaling
problems, and excessive levels of chlorides and
sulfates cause cooling system corrosion.
Testing the Coolant:
A refractometer
must be used to measure the
freezing point of the coolant accurately
.
DO
NOT
use a floating ball hydrometer. Using
floating ball hydrometers can give an incorrect
reading.
Coolant System Sealing Additives:
DO NOT
use sealing additives in the cooling
system. The use of sealing additives will:
Build up in coolant low-flow areas.
Plug the radiator and oil cooler.
Possibly damage the water pump seal.
Cooling System Soluble Oils:
DO NOT
use soluble oils in the cooling
system. The use of soluble oils will:
Corrode brass and copper.
Damage heat transfer surfaces.
Damage seals and hoses.
CAUTION:
An over-concentration of antifreeze
will reduce freeze protection. Use of
high silicate antifreeze can damage the
cooling system and engine.
WARNING:
DO NOT continue engine operation
if engine temperature rises and the
Warning light on the dash illuminates.
The engine protection software will
begin to decrease fuel (derate) to the
engine regardless of throttle position.
Continued operation will result in severe
engine damage.
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Check the coolant level before each trip,
refueling, and when checking the oil level.
Coolant freeze point is checked at every oil
change interval or as specified by the engine
manufacture. Coolant drain and flush intervals
are specified by the engine manufacturer. Refer
to the OEM engine manual for more information
on service maintenance intervals.
INFORMATION:
Refer to the engine OEM manual for
details on engine coolant maintenance.
Coolant Types:
Use a low-silicate antifreeze that meets
ASTM4985 (GM6038M specification)
criteria.
Recommendations include using either
a 50/50 mixture of good quality water
and fully formulated antifreeze or fully
formulated coolant.
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