Caterpillar — Changing to Cat ELC
Maintenance · Cooling system
From a Caterpillar service manual covering: 3054, 3056, 3176, 3208, 3406, 3412, 3500 Series, 3600 Series, C11, C13, C15, C175 Series…. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Caterpillar 3054, Caterpillar 3056, Caterpillar 3176, Caterpillar 3208, Caterpillar 3406, Caterpillar 3412, Caterpillar C13, Caterpillar C15
Before you start
- Do not leave an empty SCA maintenance element on a system that is filled with ELC. The element housing may corrode and leak causing an engine failure.
- Improper or incomplete rinsing of the cooling system can result in damage to copper and other metal components.
- The cooling system cleaner must be thoroughly flushed from the cooling system. Cooling system cleaner that is left in the system will contaminate the coolant. The cleaner may also corrode the cooling system.
- Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product.
Procedure
- Drain the coolant into a suitable container.
- Dispose of the coolant according to local regulations.
- If equipped, remove the empty SCA maintenance element and the element base. Plug the coolant lines or bypass the coolant lines.
- Flush the system with clean water in order to remove any debris.
- Use Caterpillar cleaner for cooling systems in order to clean the system. Follow the instructions on the label.
- Drain the cleaner into a suitable container. Flush the cooling system with clean water.
- In systems with heavy deposits, disconnect the hoses. Clean deposits and debris from the hoses and fittings. Install the hoses and tighten the hose fittings.
- Fill the cooling system with clean water and operate the engine until the engine is warmed to 49 C to 66 C (120 F to 151 F).
- Drain the cooling system into a suitable container and flush the cooling system with clean water.
- Repeat Steps 8 and 9 until the system is completely clean.
- Fill the cooling system with the Cat ELC.
- Operate the engine until the engine is warmed. While the engine is running, inspect the engine for leaks. Tighten hose clamps and connections in order to stop any leaks.
- Attach the Special Publication, PEEP5027, "Label" to the cooling system filler for the engine in order to indicate the use of Cat ELC.
Tools required
- Caterpillar cleaner for cooling systems Amazon
- 5P-3413 Pipe Sealant Amazon
- Suitable containers to collect fluids Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Refer to Specifications, SENR3130, "Torque Specifications" for the proper torques
- Warm the engine to 49 C to 66 C (120 F to 151 F) for rinsing
Full service-parts list: Caterpillar 3054 →, Caterpillar 3056 →, Caterpillar 3176 →, Caterpillar 3208 →, Caterpillar 3406 →, Caterpillar 3412 →, Caterpillar C13 →, Caterpillar C15 →
Source: Caterpillar service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.