Mixing Extended Life Coolants/Cavitation Protection/Boiling Protection

[robertth]

I used Chevron's Delo Extended Life Coolant 50/50 for a coolant change. Since there was about 1.5 gallons left in the block, apparently, I now have a 41% concentration: (6.5/2)/8.

I can't find a supplier for the 100% concentrate.

1. Does the low concentration mean I have less cavitation or boil protection than optimal? (Freeze protection is not an issue: a 40% concentration gives me freeze protection down to something like a -12F degrees and I don't have to worry about temps much below 20, right now.)

2. I could get a gallon of Catepillar's ELC in a 100% concentrate. Can they be mixed? If I took out 1 gallon of my 41% mix, I could get to 48% by adding back 1 gallong of full strength: (8*.41-.41+1)/8.

[RT]

They might be able to be mixed, but I suspect there are different chemistries such that the cumulative protection of each brand would be sub-par. I would suggest calling a local Chevron dealer and ask them to order it for you or call a national dealer like SunCoast and see if you can buy just one gallon. Here's a link - Diesel Fuel Distributor | Lubricant Distributor | Gasoline Distributor

[tattoocharlie]

well i have a red elc from international,its rated to 150k due to slight contamination after initial flush and replacement.once flushed again its rated to 300k because most if not all contaminants and old coolant will be gone.

[tattoocharlie]

but then again i cannot speak to the chevron elc.

[444-4D]

I would have no concerns about mixing the two products.

[robertth]

Can anyone comment on whether the cavitation or boiling point protection is compromised at the lower (41%) mix, and whether it would matter if I left it that way for a couple of weeks?

Can anyone comment on why it would be so hard to find Chevron Delo ELC in 100% strength? It was even hard finding it in the 50%. So far as I can see, none of the consumer parts stores carry it either, and I've checked NAPA, CarQuest, O'Riely's, Autozone, and Pepboys. I've checked with trucking firms servicing Freightliners, Internationals, Catepillers, Kenworth. Some Chevron stations carry the 50/50, but that is even rare.

I've also checked with the major Chevron distributors. They sell barrels, and would order the concentrate in a case of 6, but I only need a gallon.

My advice for anyone trying this would be to make sure you can get the concentrate of something before you start. Catepilliar's seems to be the easiest one to get.

I haven't checked with SunCoast yet. Thanks for the idea, RT.