• Cavitation of the water pump
For optimum performance, Perkins recommends a
50 percent by volume of glycol in the finished coolant
(also referred to as 1:1 mixture).
Note:
Use a mixture that will provide protection
against the lowest ambient temperature.
Note:
100 percent pure glycol will freeze at a
temperature of −13 °C (8.6 °F).
Most conventional antifreezes use ethylene glycol.
Propylene glycol may also be used. In a 1:1 mixture
with distilled or deionized water, ethylene and
propylene glycol provide similar protection against
freezing and boiling. Refer to Table 9 and refer to
table 10 .
Table 9
Ethylene Glycol
Concentration
Freeze Protection
50 Percent
−36 °C (−33 °F)
60 Percent
−51 °C (−60 °F)
NOTICE
Do not use propylene glycol in concentrations that
exceed 50 percent glycol because of the reduced
heat transfer capability of propylene glycol. Use ethyl-
ene glycol in conditions that require additional protec-
tion against boiling or freezing.
Table 10
Propylene Glycol
Concentration
Freeze Protection
50 Percent
−29 °C (−20 °F)
Some commercially available coolants are based on
alternative fluids, such as 1, 3-propanediol (beta-
propylene glycol, PDO), glycerin (glycerol), or
mixtures of these alternatives with ethylene/
propylene glycols. At the time of publication of this
document no industry standard exists for coolants
based on these chemicals. Until such standard/
specifications are published and evaluated, use of
PDO, glycerine, or other alternative coolants are not
recommended in Perkins engines.
To check the concentration of glycol in the coolant,
measure the specific gravity of the coolant.
Coolant Terminology
• ELC
Extended Life Coolant. A coolant that
relies on organic inhibitors for corrosion and
cavitation protection. Also known as Organic Acid
Technology (OAT) coolant.
• ELI
Extended Life Inhibitor
• SCA
Supplement Coolant Additive,
concentrated inorganic inhibitor package
• ASTM
American Society for Testing and
Materials
• Conventional Coolant
a coolant that relies
on inorganic inhibitors for corrosion and cavitation
protection
• Hybrid Coolant
a coolant in which the
corrosion and cavitation protection is based on a
mixture of organic and inorganic inhibitors.
• Extender
concentrated organic inhibitor
package
Coolant Recommendations
The following three glycol-based coolants are
recommended for use in Perkins diesel engines:
Preferred
– Perkins ELC
Acceptable
– A commercial heavy-duty antifreeze
that meets “ASTM D6210” specifications. Must be
replaced after 2 years.
Adequate
– A commercial heavy-duty antifreeze that
meets “ASTM D4985” specifications. Must be
replaced after 1 year.
NOTICE
The Perkins industrial engines must be operated
with a 1:1 (50 Percent) mixture of distilled or de-
ionized water and glycol. This concentration al-
lows the NOx reduction system to operate
correctly at high ambient temperatures.
NOTICE
Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only
meets the ASTM D3306 specification. This type of
coolant/antifreeze is made for light automotive
applications.
NOTICE
A commercial heavy-duty antifreeze that meets
“ASTM D4985” specification requires a treatment
with an SCA at the initial fill. Read the label or the in-
structions that are provided by the manufacturer of
the product.
NOTICE
A commercial heavy-duty antifreeze that meets either
“ASTM D4985” or “ASTM D6210” specification re-
quires the SCA concentration to be checked at 500-
hour service intervals.
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