Let’s talk about the worst problem today as I see it – blown head gaskets. This is what the truck dealer should have told you before you bought your last truck and what the engine manufacturer should have taught you before you started up your last new engine.

For a very long time, automobile and diesel engines were made from the same cast iron; and the same antifreeze was recommended for both cooling systems. Those chemical formulas worked very well in diesel engines as long as you used some sort of conditioner. In 1979, automakers started using more aluminum in their engines. That meant that antifreeze formulas had to be changed to increase protection against aluminum corrosion. The result in diesel engines was inhibitor dropout, radiator clogging, water-pump seal failures, high chemical reaction to eroding block and liner surface. Then just mix “hard water” or water with high levels of calcium, magnesium, and ions – or “well water”, and then just spin on any old coolant-conditioner element (water filter) that isn’t compatible – and – WHAMO! – it accelerates the chemical reaction. The results are the chemicals eating the deck of the block under the liner, the liner drops down and presto, a blown head gasket. All of this is the result of not knowing how to take care of a cooling system. Today, the new style of Antifreeze that CAT offers, I can tell you does work. Whether you use the style to mix with distilled water or use the Extended life coolant, this will eliminate their problems.

Quote: From Caterpillar “DO NOT MIX ANTI-FREEZES!”.

CHARGE AIR COOLER SYSTEM

The turbo charger and charge air cooler are part of a high technology induction system that improves engine efficiency of combustion for horsepower, fuel economy, and emission and to lower exhaust temperature for longevity. By forcing cooler denser air in the engine along with the proper fuel mixture and at the right time of ignition will burn ultimately. The after cooler is nothing more than a heat exchanger located between the turbocharger and the engine.

Remember, the turbocharger intake side is compressing the air. Now, on a 70 degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature day that compressed air will be approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit. By shoving it through a water jacket after-cooler with engine water temperature at 190 degrees, it only lowers the air temperature to approximately 250 degrees. But, by using an air-to-air intercooler, it will lower air intake temperature to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This is on a 70 degree day; imagine what this is on a 95 degree day.

There are many different styles and forms of charge air coolers on the market today allowing leaking (standards set by the OEM’s). I have found that the bar and plate design of Posi-Tech International to be the best in cooling strength, longevity and with their lifetime warranty they are second to none.

Last but not least, the air is moved across the air-to-air cooler by the engine fan and the ram effect of the vehicle forward motion.

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