The coolant in a diesel engine is an important part of any preventive maintenance operation.
Cummins [Fleetguard] made DCA-4 back in 1984 and made it an OEM [original equipment manufacturer]
product.
DCA-4 protects diesel engine cooling systems from collecting solids [slows it down], protects solder and aluminum from breaking down and prevents excessive cylinder liner pitting. DCA stands for “Dry Chemical Additive” and can be added as a liquid or in a pre-charged filter. Coolant can be tested for DCA concentration with a test strip that you dip into the coolant.
Changing the coolant filter on a regular basis and using DCA in your diesel engine is easy and inexpensive and should be part of any preventive maintenance schedule.
Here’s more information from Cummins.
Whelan is a regular STN contributor and has worked as a school bus and truck mechanic for the past 34 years. He is currently shop foreman for the School District No. 73 transportation department in Kamloops, British Columbia. Read more aboutWhelan’s shop experiences at his personal blog site.
