Use and Care Manual

TP-6810 6/1556 Section 4 Scheduled Maintenance
4.6 Cooling System
Hot coolant and steam.
Can cause severe injury or death.
Before removing the pressure cap,
stop the generator set and allow it to
cool. Then loosen the pressure cap
to relieve pressure.
WARNING
Allow the engine to cool. Release pressure from the
cooling system before removing the pressure cap. To
release pressure, cover the pressure cap with a thick
cloth and then slowly turn the cap counterclockwise to
the first stop. Remove the cap after pressure has been
completely released and the engine has cooled. Check
the coolant level at the tank if the generator set has a
coolant recovery tank.
Note: Block heater damage. The block heater will fail
if the energized heater element is not immersed
in coolant. Fill the cooling system before turning
on the block heater. Run the engine until it is
warm and refill the radiator to purge the air from
the system before energizing the block heater.
4.6.1 Checking and Filling Coolant
Maintain the coolant level in the coolant overflow bottle
between the High and Low markings. See Section 1,
Service Views, for the coolant overflow bottle location.
Note: Periodically check the coolant level by removing
the radiator’s pressure cap. Do not rely solely on
the level in the coolant overflow bottle.
Ethylene glycol-based long-life coolant is
recommended. Use a coolant mixture of 50% long-life
coolant and 50% clean, softened water to inhibit
rust/corrosion and prevent freezing. Add fresh coolant
until the level is just below the overflow tube opening.
A coolant solution of 50% ethylene glycol-based coolant
provides freezing protection to --37C(--34F) and
overheating protection to 129C ( 265 F). A coolant
solution with less than 50% ethylene glycol may not
provide adequate freezing and overheating protection.
A coolant solution with more than 50% ethylene glycol
can cause engine or component damage. Do not mix
long-life coolant and conventional coolants. Do not use
alcohol or methanol antifreeze or mix them with the
specified coolant.
4.6.2 Cooling System Inspection
To prevent generator shutdown or damage because of
overheating:
D Keep the cooling air inlets clean and unobstructed
D Inspect the radiator’s exterior for obstructions and
remove dirt and foreign material with a soft brush or
cloth to avoid damaging the radiator fins.
D Check the hoses and connections for leaks and
replace any cracked, frayed, or spongy hoses.
D Check the condition and tension of the radiator water
pump belt(s).
D Check the rubber seal of the radiator ’s pressure cap
and replace a cracked or deteriorated cap. Remove
dirt and other debris from the pressure cap and filler
neck. The pressure cap raises the boiling point of the
coolant, enabling higher operating temperatures. If
the cap leaks, replace it with the same rating type of
cap. Find the pressure cap rating in Figure 4-5.
Item Rating
Pressure cap 97 kPa (14 psi)
Figure 4-5 Pressure Cap Rating
4.6.3 Draining Cooling System
The radiator contains a coolant drain valve to drain the
cooling system. When draining the coolant, remove the
radiator’s pressure cap, which will allow the entire
system to drain and will prevent air pockets from forming
and restricting coolant passage to the block.
1. De--energize the block heater, if equipped.
2. Remove the pressure cap to allow the entire
system to drain and prevent air pockets from
restricting coolant flow through the engine block.
3. Open the coolant drain valve and allow the system
to drain.
4. If the inside of the radiator has mineral deposits or
the used coolant contains dirt or grease, go to
Section 4.6.4, Flushing and Cleaning. If the cooling
system does not have mineral deposits, refill the
cooling system as instructed in Section 4.6.5,
Filling Cooling System.