I have an early 99 PSD and need to flush my coolant. I have been to all the local auto parts stores, including the national ones, and they all seem to act like I am crazy when I ask for the test strips. I went to a local stealership and they did not have them either. I did buy some of the SCA additive there and they told me just to add one pint to four gallons of coolant concentrate and four gallons of distilled water. They said it would be close enough to approximate it. Well, I trust NOTHING the dealer says. In dealer language, that means, "don't use enough and you will be back here for us to sell you new engine."
Anyone know where to buy the strips that measure the SCA amount?

 

Go to a big truck stop or most any where they work on tractor trailers. I get a couple free from a truck stop off the interstate. NAPA has them but you have to buy a large quantity.

 

Peach State Freightliner »
1755 Dry Pond Road
Jefferson, GA

 

 

You might be able to use the ELC coolant. I think they had a service bulletin on what years. Then you don't have to mess with it.

 

My manufacture date is 01/99 and the post I read by Gooch about the flush says only after 2/99 can use ELC. Has that information changed?

 

If you have no luck finding the test strips, Let me know, there is a IH dealer close to my work and I can send them to you.

 

In my opinion, no. I'd avoid it. You can order the test strips from NAPA or Carquest. Don't waste money on any of the fancy kits. Just order the cheap one that is a bottle full of little strips. The bottle has the color chart on the outside, and you just need to dunk the strips in the coolant and watch the colors.

Then, if needed, add some SCA, drive around a bit and re-test. Repeats necessary until all checks out good.

 

I give up...what is SCA?...and why can't you use ELC for the earlier PSD?

 

Ok. Thanks guys. I will try a few of the places you have mentioned.

 

SCA is an additive you add to the coolant to prevent cavitation ( a process by which tiny air bubbles vibrate the inside of your engine causing erosion, injector cup failure, block failure, etc.)

Engines built after 2/99 apparently have different seals, gaskets, etc. that are compatible with the newer ELC coolants which do not require the SCA additive. Engines built before 2/99 can possible run a risk of having issues if used with ELC coolants.

If I did not explain it all that well, then I am sure someone will correct me with a more accurate information or explanation.

 

I have been using ELC since 2001 or 100,000 mi. , build date on motor 2/19/98. . In fact i just changed coolant again today and used ELC. But i only have 323,700 mi on truck so it's hard to say if the ELC is damaging it.

 

My local Napa sells the strips.. But I switched to the Delo red long life and will never look back..

 

Fleetguard CC2602A 3 Way Coolant Test Strips at DieselManor

 

Thanks Mark for the strips you sent me.