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MAINTENANCE

6-24 / Engine, Cooling, Fuel and Exhaust

The type equipped at initial fill may be identified by a label on or near the radiator fill cap. Identify this label and refer
to your engine manufacturer’s Operation and Maintenance manual for approved coolant types

BEFORE

adding to

or replacing the coolant mixture. Different types of antifreeze may be formulated with different chemicals and types
of corrosion inhibitors, which may not react well with existing coolant in the vehicle, or engine or cooling system
components.
Depending on date of manufacturer, your Pierce truck may be equipped with one of two coolant types:
•

Standard Type: Typically green in color, standard drain intervals, SCA inhibitors.

•

Extended Type: Yellow in color, extended drain intervals, nitrate-free OAT type inhibitors. This type may be
obtained through your Pierce dealer, or by obtaining the following types produced in yellow color:
— Shell Rotella Ultra ELC™
— Volvo Penta Coolant VCS (Yellow)
— Chevron Delo® Extended Life NF

6-18.8 Coolant Fill Procedure

NOTE:

Add coolant ONLY to the pressurized surge tank (or radiator top tank). DO NOT add coolant to the

un-pressurized recovery bottle, if present. The recovery bottle is intended to serve as expansion
space for the coolant as it heats up. The volume of the recovery bottle may not be adequate to
accommodate the coolant expansion if it is not EMPTY when the engine/cooling system is at room
temperature.

1. Open heater circuits: set all heater controls to the hottest position and verify that heater shut-off valves are open.
2. Some systems may have a vent petcock in the upper coolant tube between the engine outlet and the radiator

inlet. If present, open the vent petcock and place a container underneath the petcock to capture the small
amount of coolant that will flow out during the fill process.

3. Remove pressure cap and fill the system at a rate of approximately 2-3 GPM. Observe the vent petcock while

filling and close it securely after coolant begins to flow from the petcock. Continue filling until the surge tank is
full to the point of overflowing. If coolant has not yet begun flowing from the vent petcock, wait until this occurs.
Refill surge tank as necessary until the coolant level remains in the sight glass AND has flowed out the vent
petcock. Be sure to close the vent petcock, if present.

4. Start engine and run at idle. Stop and check the coolant level after approximately 1 minute. Top off coolant and

repeat this step as necessary until the coolant level remains in the sight glass.

5. Install the pressure cap on the surge tank.
6. Run engine at increased rpm until the thermostat opens. The temperature gauge should read a minimum of

185°F (85°C) for Cummins engines, and 195°F (90°C) for the Detroit DD13 engine. Main coolant tubes and/or
lines leading to the auxiliary pump mode engine cooler (if present) should be hot, indicating the presence of
coolant flow.

Radiator, radiator cap, coolant, and hoses are very hot and pressurized during truck operation. Let
radiator cool before checking system.

Use extreme care when removing the radiator cap. Always allow engine to cool completely before
opening radiator cap. Wrap a thick, heavy cloth around cap. Push down and turn radiator cap to first
notch position. Pause before opening completely to allow any remaining pressure to escape. Failure
to comply could result in burns from hot steam or coolant.