PrimaTech RED Coolant Question

[Reds444]

I have question pertaining to PrimaTech RED Coolant.
I need to change the green coolant that came in my used PSD.
I have been searching locally for a Heavy Duty ELC coolant concentrate. To my surprise the heavy truck service/dealerships in my area only carry 50/50 premix and most have SCA.
I want to stay away from the SCA as don’t want to have to deal with reading test strips, let alone finding test strips that aren’t outdated. In addition, I read some information regarding SCA and it indicates that the SCA can fall out when the systems set idle. Since my truck mainly gets used to pull our camper it does sit idle and I don’t want to have that to worry about.
That said; I had found a supply for FleetCharge concentrate at $35.00 a gallon. I like the fact that this coolant can handle up to 25% of other coolant mixed with it before having to change it out. So if we would have to add to it and don’t have access to a diesel ELC we are ok.
I just found PrimaTech RED at $13.00 per gallon and from what I have read online about this product it is made to meet the all-important Cat EC-1 specification. I read some old posts from Gooch that says the coolant is good etc. BUT is this information still relevant?
My concern is that the bottle doesn’t list much information but the product information indicates that the PrimaTech RED meets ASTM and the major engine manufacture specifications. Seems odd that they don’t list this important information on the bottle.
Anyone have any advice / results running PimaTech?
Thanks in advance.

[David C]

Can not comment on that coolant as have not tried Red coolant. Since retiring I drive much less, but obtaining SCA and test strips have been difficult even thru Ford dealers.

But after extensive looking I found Fleet Charge concentrate antifreeze with SCA included at O'Reilly auto store (a chain), and got four gallons for only $68 TOTAL + tax for my truck. I plan to change every two years regardless of low miles I drive, as have not been able to keep or obtain proper test strips in small quantities.

[up2nogood]

I have used the PrimaTech for a couple years now, but have been using the precharged, and using the SCA's and test strips. I get the coolant ,test strips, and sca's from a local FleetPride. They stock or order anything you need, including current test strips. I stay away from ELC with my early 99 7.3. Prior to running across FleetPride ,and PrimaTech coolant it was always a hassle using conventional ccolant with sca's. I would recommend PrimaTech, I have had no problem with it, and like the fact that I can get without a problem. I can also get the fleetcharge ,but it is to darn expensive. I think you would be happy with PrimaTech

[up2nogood]

Originally Posted by David C

Can not comment on that coolant as have not tried Red coolant. Since retiring I drive much less, but obtaining SCA and test strips have been difficult even thru Ford dealers.

But after extensive looking I found Fleet Charge concentrate antifreeze with SCA included at O'Reilly auto store (a chain), and got four gallons for only $68 TOTAL + tax for my truck. I plan to change every two years regardless of low miles I drive, as have not been able to keep or obtain proper test strips in small quantities.

I have always thought Fleet Charge was a cummins product, but that would be great getting it from O'Reilly's, that is good to know. Is it pink in color the same as PrimaTech. Looks like you also have the early 99, and want to stay with conventional coolant with the sca.

[01f25073]

I would recommend PrimaTech brand HD ELC. I am using it as Fleet Pride is a great local store that I use when their products are needed. I have not had any problem at all using this coolant.

[David C]

Originally Posted by up2nogood

I have always thought Fleet Charge was a cummins product, but that would be great getting it from O'Reilly's, that is good to know. Is it pink in color the same as PrimaTech. Looks like you also have the early 99, and want to stay with conventional coolant with the sca.

The FleetCharge with SCA is on the recommended antifreeze list for the early model 7.3 L diesels in Gooch's change procedure posted elsewhere in this forum. To me it seemed the color was a redish purple at full strength. If the Ford dealer ever restock the test strips, I will test it occasionally - otherwise I'll just change it at two year intervals (only about 20000 miles at current driving use).

Years ago, several forum members with early 99 model switched to ELC. I have never heard of any problems that arose from that action, but I do keep hearing reminders that only the later injectors (99.5) were factory tested and approved for the ELC type antifreeze use.

[Reds444]

Thanks for the comments everyone!
Since I have the FleetPride dealer close by and he was the most knowledgeable of any of the heavy duty parts/service centers in the area I think I will go with the PrimaTech RED. My truck is a 2000 model year so I shouldn’t have any issues with the cups.
My feeling is having the ELC and having to stress over possible drop out of the SCA etc are big positives. Especially since the price quoted for the ELC was very reasonable I should be able to get 4 gallons for around $55 to $60.

[444-4D]

Originally Posted by up2nogood

I have always thought Fleet Charge was a cummins product, but that would be great getting it from O'Reilly's, that is good to know. Is it pink in color the same as PrimaTech. Looks like you also have the early 99, and want to stay with conventional coolant with the sca.

Fleet Charge is a Peak product.

Fleetguard is a Cummins product.

Fleetrite is a Navistar/IH brand.

[Reds444]

I did some research and found that PrimaTech is manufactured by Smity’s Supply. Smitty’s is a manufacture of several big brand products.
I would surmise that the reason they do not list CAT-1 or other trademarked brands on their label is due to the fact that they would have to pay for the use of the trademark. Thus by not using the trademark name on the label they are able to have a significantly lower final production cost.
This makes sense as the list the ASTM that a product is manufactured to meet. The product would then meet the ASTM which equates to the trademark manufactures specifications.
So they could say that it is equal to or equivalent to Cat since it would meet the ASTM but they a have not paid to use the trademark name.
It only makes sense that since they are blending and manufacturing trademarked products for several big name companies and are aware of the additives that are specified by the manufactures they should be able to blend oils/coolants and meet the ASTM.
Just my 0.02 cents…